R-14C Official findingSecond-term rulings
The tariffs ruled unlawful
Evidence grade C: A special counsel, Congress, an inspector general or a high court found it; never tried to a verdict on him.
What happened
He imposed sweeping tariffs under an emergency-powers law, including 25 percent on most goods from Canada and Mexico and an effective rate of 145 percent on many Chinese goods.
Where it stands
On February 20, 2026, in Learning Resources v. Trump, the Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 that the law does not let a president impose tariffs. Chief Justice Roberts wrote the opinion. Penn Wharton estimates $175 to $179 billion may be refundable. The same day he announced a 10 percent global tariff under a different law, and later said he would raise it to 15 percent.
Harm
Financial. Costs paid by importers and largely passed to consumers.
His response
He called the ruling “terrible” and “an embarrassment.”
Sources
- Ropes & Gray, Feb. 2026ropesgray.comhttps://www.ropesgray.com/en/insights/alerts/2026/02/supreme-court-strikes-down-ieepa-tariffs-key-takeaways-and-implications-for-importers #319
- Faegre Drinker, Feb. 2026faegredrinker.comhttps://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2026/2/supreme-court-decides-learning-resources-inc-v-trump-and-trump-v-vos-selections-inc #151
Status checked October 15, 2026. Court cases move; before relying on a pending matter, open the source for later developments.