President Donald Trump reportedly called the Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision limiting his tariff authority a “disgrace” after learning of the ruling during a closed-door White House meeting.
According to reports, an aide entered a private breakfast with governors and handed President Trump a note informing him of the Court’s decision.
The source said Trump “called it a disgrace, and then he went on with the remarks.”
In a post on X, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reported:
“President Trump commented on the Supreme Court ruling striking down his tariffs while inside the White House breakfast with governors this morning, calling it a ‘disgrace,’ I’m told.
“He told those gathered that he has a backup plan.”
News: President Trump commented on the Supreme Court ruling striking down his tariffs while inside the White House breakfast with governors this morning, calling it a "disgrace," I'm told. He told those gathered that he has a backup plan.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 20, 2026
The ruling blocks tariffs the president imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), delivering a significant decision on the scope of executive authority.
Supreme Court Limits Emergency Tariff Power
In its opinion, the Court framed the issue narrowly:
“Our task today is to decide only whether the power to ‘regulate… importation,’ as granted to the President in IEEPA, embraces the power to impose tariffs. It does not.”
The decision does not eliminate all tariff authority but specifically restricts the use of IEEPA as a vehicle for sweeping tariff actions.
Several of the justices who joined the majority opinion are expected to be present when President Trump delivers his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Tariffs have been a central pillar of President Trump’s economic strategy during his second term, aimed at countering unfair trade practices and protecting American industries.
Mixed Republican Reaction
Reaction among Republicans was divided.
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) sharply criticized the ruling, writing on X:
“The Supreme Court just undercut the President’s ability to defend American workers.
“President Donald Trump was elected to fight unfair trade and stop the United States from being ripped off.
“I’m outraged by this decision; it’s clearly judicial overreach.”
The Supreme Court just undercut the President’s ability to defend American workers.
President Donald Trump was elected to fight unfair trade and stop the United States from being ripped off. I’m outraged by this decision; it's clearly judicial overreach.
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) February 20, 2026
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), however, praised the Court’s decision, stating:
“In defense of our Republic, the Supreme Court struck down using emergency powers to enact taxes.
“This ruling will also prevent a future President such as AOC from using emergency powers to enact socialism.”
In defense of our Republic, the Supreme Court struck down using emergency powers to enact taxes.
This ruling will also prevent a future President such as AOC from using emergency powers to enact socialism. https://t.co/M55CZgz4By
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 20, 2026
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) also welcomed the ruling, citing constitutional concerns:
“The Constitution’s checks and balances still work.
“Article One gives tariff authority to Congress.
“This was a common-sense and straightforward ruling by the Supreme Court.
“I feel vindicated as I’ve been saying this for the last 12 months.
“In the future, Congress should defend its own authorities and not rely on the Supreme Court.
“Besides the Constitutional concerns I had on the Administration’s broad-based tariffs, I also do not think tariffs are smart economic policy.
“Broad-based tariffs are bad economics.”
The Constitution’s checks and balances still work. Article One gives tariff authority to Congress. This was a common-sense and straightforward ruling by the Supreme Court. I feel vindicated as I’ve been saying this for the last 12 months. In the future, Congress should defend its…
— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) February 20, 2026
Executive Power Debate Intensifies
The ruling sets up a significant separation-of-powers debate as President Trump continues to pursue an aggressive trade agenda focused on confronting foreign competitors and reshoring American manufacturing.
While the Court limited the use of one statutory pathway, the broader fight over tariff authority and the balance between Congress and the presidency is far from settled.
With the State of the Union looming, the decision adds a new layer of tension to an already charged political landscape.
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