Up First from NPR Trump's New Tariffs, China Reacts To Tariff Ruling, State Of The Union Poll
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Feb 23, 2026 
Domenico Montanaro, NPR poll analyst decoding voter attitudes before the State of the Union. Jennifer Pack, Shanghai-based China reporter on Beijing's response to U.S. tariff rulings. Mara Laison, political correspondent on the domestic fallout and midterm stakes. They discuss new 15% tariffs, how China and exporters are reacting, and what poll numbers mean for political messaging.
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Court Limits Presidential Tariff Power
- The Supreme Court struck down Trump's previous tariff authority, forcing use of narrower Trade Act sections with limits and timelines.
- Mara Laison notes this reduces the president's unilateral leverage, especially before his China trip.
Tariffs Shift Political Ownership To Congress
- Republicans may now be forced to vote to approve tariffs, owning an unpopular cost increase for voters.
- Mara Laison says that could make midterm politics harder for GOP lawmakers.
Target Voters Hurt By Tariff Costs
- Democrats plan to message that tariffs raised consumer costs without delivering promised manufacturing or deficit wins.
- Mara Laison highlights targeting voters hurt by higher prices as a clear campaign strategy.