On February 20, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a temporary 10% import duty under Section 122, which automatically increased to 15% following a statement on February 21, with an Executive Order expected to formalize this change. The tariffs, which address international payments issues, take effect on February 24 and will last for 150 days unless extended by Congress. Lauan plywood is subject to the 15% tariff, while several other goods, including USMCA-compliant products and certain vehicles, are exempt. Customs guidance has been issued for importers, with tariffs under IEEPA ending and Section 122 tariffs starting at 12:01 am EST on February 24.
The Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize President Trump to impose tariffs, limiting presidential tariff authority. Despite this, President Trump has announced plans to continue imposing tariffs under other statutes, such as Section 122 and Section 232, which are expected to face legal challenges and may lead to continued uncertainty for retailers regarding sourcing, pricing, and inventory management. Retailers are advised to evaluate their eligibility for tariff refunds, though the process is anticipated to be lengthy and contested.
A federal judge blocked former special counsel Jack Smith's attempt to release an anti-Trump report to Congress, ruling that Smith was improperly appointed and that the report contains material that would breach attorney-client privilege. The judge also stated that releasing the report could unfairly influence public perception of Trump, who maintains innocence. The Justice Department opposed the release, and the ruling was seen as unfavorable to Smith’s efforts to disclose the report's contents.
More than a dozen former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, from both Republican and Democratic administrations, have filed an amicus brief opposing the DOJ's lawsuit seeking Maine's unredacted voter registration data. The DOJ's request, made under the Trump administration, aims to verify voter eligibility but has faced criticism from Maine officials and others who cite privacy concerns and question the department's motives. The attorneys argue the data request is linked to broader immigration enforcement efforts and exceeds the authority granted by the Civil Rights Act, calling for the lawsuit's dismissal.
A federal grand jury in D.C. rejected the attempt by Jeanine Pirro's office to indict six Democratic lawmakers, with the jury unanimously deciding there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges related to a social media video encouraging military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders. Pirro’s effort to indict the lawmakers was criticized as a potential political attack, and legal experts noted that the case is now considered closed, though the possibility of pursuing it in a different district remains. The incident has drawn attention to concerns about political influence on Justice Department actions and the use of federal prosecutorial power for partisan purposes.
Most Arizona Democrats will boycott President Trump's State of the Union address, with U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly announcing his attendance as an act of defiance following recent attacks and legal challenges. Other Arizona representatives, such as Sen. Ruben Gallego and Rep. Yassamin Ansari, plan to abstain or participate in counterprogramming efforts, citing concerns about Trump's policies and treatment of families. Overall, around 50 Democrats nationwide are expected to skip the event.
House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that Congress is unlikely to reach an agreement on President Donald Trump's tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down global tariffs. Following the ruling, Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff, potentially increasing it to 15%, and signed an executive order allowing him to bypass Congress for up to 150 days. Johnson emphasized the challenge of legislative consensus and pointed to the executive branch's role in responding to the decision.
Two Maine residents have filed a class-action lawsuit against Homeland Security agencies, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, alleging use of surveillance technologies such as facial recognition, license plate readers, and mobile apps to monitor, intimidate, and harass them for recording law enforcement activities and exercising their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit claims agents showed up at their homes based on surveillance data, with one threat suggesting they would be placed on a domestic terrorist watchlist. The case highlights the use of extensive government surveillance tools targeting civilians engaged in peaceful protest and observation.
During a February 19 visit to Rome, Georgia, President Trump focused on alleging that the 2020 election was stolen and criticized the FBI raids in Fulton County, while also discussing proposed voter ID requirements. His visit coincided with early voting for a special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former district, and he endorsed candidate Clay Fuller, avoiding comments on Greene's recent social media posts.
The article highlights how Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown foster genuine inclusion and community through shared rituals, street festivities, and cultural openness, contrasting with bureaucratic approaches to diversity. It emphasizes that belonging is rooted in real, embodied encounters and public traditions that build trust and civic cohesion over time. The author reflects on the importance of these everyday acts of participation in strengthening democratic life amid contemporary social fragmentation.
The US has ordered the partial evacuation of non-essential staff from its embassy in Beirut amid rising Iran tensions and regional security concerns, with around 50 staff members leaving. The move follows heightened US rhetoric threatening military action against Iran over its nuclear program and Iran's expressed willingness to retaliate, increasing fears of conflict. Meanwhile, a planned US-Israel trip by Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been postponed, and Israeli officials have indicated readiness for potential escalation.
A federal judge permanently barred the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, ruled that releasing the report would impose a "manifest injustice" on Trump and his co-defendants, citing legal privilege and the presumption of innocence. This decision follows Cannon's previous actions dismissing related charges and blocking the report's publication, with critics arguing that the suppression conflicts with First Amendment principles.
