Did Supreme Court decision restrict presidential power in tariffs?
Yes, in a major 6-3 ruling on February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, significantly restricting presidential authority in this area.
The decision centered on the following key points:
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Exceeding Congressional Authority: The Court ruled that the tariffs exceeded the powers granted to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the law’s authority to "regulate importation" does not grant the president an independent power to impose taxes or duties.
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Major Questions Doctrine: The Court applied the "major questions" doctrine, asserting that if Congress intends to delegate power of such "vast economic or political significance," it must do so with clear and explicit language. Roberts noted that IEEPA contains no specific reference to tariffs or duties.
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Constitutional Limits: The ruling emphasized that the "power of the purse" is a core congressional function. Roberts suggested that allowing the president to unilaterally impose unbounded tariffs under a declared emergency would represent a "transformative expansion" of executive authority over the economy.
