In a response to a major Supreme Court setback, US President Donald Trump announced the retention of existing national security tariffs and imposed a new 10% global tariff on imports, which he said, will be ‘effective almost immediately’.
The White House insists that the move aims to protect US industries and address trade deficits, fulfilling key campaign promises amid ongoing economic tensions.
“Effective immediately, all National Security TARIFFS, Section 232 and existing Section 301 TARIFFS, remain in place, and in full force and effect. Today I will sign an Order to impose a 10% GLOBAL TARIFF, under Section 122, over and above our normal TARIFFS already being charged”, the White House posted merely hours after the SCOTUS verdict.
"Effective immediately, all National Security TARIFFS, Section 232 and existing Section 301 TARIFFS, remain in place, and in full force and effect. Today I will sign an Order to impose a 10% GLOBAL TARIFF, under Section 122, over and above our normal TARIFFS already being… pic.twitter.com/B3bv5f5KW1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2026
On February 20, the US Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on February 20 invalidated Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law intended for national emergencies.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, held that IEEPA does not grant authority for tariffs, limiting presidential power and affirming Congress’s role in trade policy. The court applied the “major questions doctrine,” which requires clear congressional authorisation for executive actions of vast economic and political significance.
The decision affects billions in collected duties, potentially triggering refunds for importers, but spares tariffs under other statutes.
In response, Trump lambasted the court as “unpatriotic” and invoked Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act for the new 10% global tariff. The provision, reportedly never used before in US history, allows temporary duties up to 15% for 150 days to combat large and serious payment settlement issues.
Trump also confirmed that Sections 232 (national security) and 301 (unfair practices) tariffs from his first term remain in full effect.
Trump’s move has drawn applause from his MAGA fanbase, while economists of the nation worry about the rising costs for the average American household.
