President Donald Trump on Friday criticized Supreme Court justices who ruled against his tariff policy and said he will sign an executive order to implement a 10 percent global tariff, after the court issued a 6-3 decision finding his levies were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Lawmakers in Illinois and the governor praised the Supreme Court decision with statements below.
During a press conference on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, Trump called the justices who ruled against him “fools and lapdogs” and a “disgrace to our nation.” He added that he will sign an executive order to implement a 10 percent global tariff.
In the opinion released Friday morning, the justices ruled that Trump’s levies were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which permits the president to regulate trade in “unusual and extraordinary” circumstances when a national emergency is declared.
Chief Justice John Roberts authored the ruling and was joined by conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, along with the court’s three liberal justices.
“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Roberts wrote. “In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.”
This was a statement about Trump on the decision: “I have very effectively used tariffs over the past year to Make America Great Again. Our stock market has just recently broken the 50,000 mark on the Dow and simultaneously 7,000 on the S&P. I am ashamed of certain members of the Supreme Court not having the courage to do what is right for our country. I would like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito and Kavanaugh for your strength, wisdom, and love of our country. Right now, I am very proud of you. Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic and dancing in the streets. But they won’t be dancing for long. It is my opinion that the Court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would think – but obnoxious, ignorant and loud.”
Lawmakers Praise the Supreme Court Decision
Democratic lawmakers and Illinois officials praised the decision as a victory for consumers and a reaffirmation of the separation of powers.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said the tariffs “created a burden on families and businesses,” adding, “Today’s ruling is a win for the American people and, in a rare instance, shows the Supreme Court can use its constitutional authority to stop the corruption and chaos of the Trump presidency.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., called the tariffs “a self-inflicted economic catastrophe,” saying they “forced millions of Americans to pay more for groceries, toys and so many more everyday essentials.” Duckworth also pointed to the vote alignment in the case, saying, “after losing this case with two of the three Justices he appointed voting against him, Trump just reiterated that he will find other ways to force the American people to pay even higher prices in the months ahead.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement that Trump “implemented the largest tax hike in decades on working families — and the Supreme Court just found it illegal.” Pritzker said he sent a letter and invoice to the president “demanding the return of the $8.6 billion he stole from Illinois families,” adding, “Tariffs aren’t paid for by the other country — they’re paid by you.”
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement today in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s use of tariffs:
“American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food supply in the world, and securing reliable access to international markets is incredibly important for our producers. Moving forward, America’s agricultural sector is looking for clarity across the trade landscape. I will continue to engage with the Trump Administration as we work toward the mutual goal of strengthening our economy and opening up new export markets.”
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the court rejected what he called the president’s “unprecedented and unlawful use” of the emergency powers law. “Tariffs are a tax on Americans,” Raoul said, adding that the tariffs “threatened Illinois’ economy and have harmed taxpayers by increasing costs to the state and local governments.” Raoul cited an estimate from the Illinois Department of Transportation that over two years, state costs for transportation projects would have been $249 million to $585 million higher due to tariffs.
Raoul said he and 11 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit in April 2025 seeking to halt the tariffs. The coalition included the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont. Raoul said lower courts ruled in favor of the states, finding Trump’s attempt to implement sweeping tariffs exceeded the authority delegated by Congress.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association also welcomed the ruling, saying broad and shifting tariffs had created uncertainty for businesses. “While tariffs can be an effective tool when tailored narrowly, many Illinois manufacturers reported that constantly changing across-the-board tariffs caused uncertainty, limited their ability to procure critical inputs, raised costs, and hurt competitiveness,” said Mark Denzler, the group’s president and CEO.
