Make Me Smart Kai returns to unpack Trump's new tariff
Feb 26, 2026
Kai Ryssdal, public radio host and Marketplace journalist known for explaining economic policy, returns to unpack the Supreme Court ruling and Trump's new global tariff. He breaks down the court's reasoning, the messy issue of who might get tariff refunds, how the Section 122 global tariff works, and why businesses and small manufacturers are feeling the pain.
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Why The Court Took So Long And What It Signals
- The Supreme Court's fractured opinion explained the long delay and revealed internal divisions on tariff authority.
- Kai Ryssdal noted oral arguments foreshadowed the outcome and the Chief Justice writing the majority adds symbolic weight.
Illegally Collected Tariffs Still Owe Refunds Even If Messy
- Illegal tariff collections must be returned even if refunds are messy and complicated.
- Ryssdal warned companies may keep refunds because tracing consumer pass-through (e.g., extra cost on Wheaties) is impractical.
Journalist Paid A Tariff Bill To See The Paper Trail
- Kimberly Adams described receiving a FedEx bill for tariffs on tea she already bought and how it included paperwork to pay.
- She used the episode to test the consumer experience and actually paid the small $10 charge to see the process.