The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the executive branch lacks the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, prompting President Trump to implement a 15% tariff as a temporary measure. The ruling could lead to tariff refunds for paid tariffs, with legal disputes expected regarding the process. The administration may respond by invoking other legal authorities, such as Section 232 and Section 301, to impose tariffs, particularly on China. The future of U.S. trade policy remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about USMCA negotiations and potential shifts toward bilateral agreements.
Neal Katyal, representing plaintiffs in a Supreme Court case against Trump's tariffs, stated that his clients seek a refund from the federal government for money collected illegally. The Court recently struck down Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, ruling it unconstitutional, and emphasizing that tariff authority resides with Congress rather than the President.
President Donald Trump faces strong opposition in Congress and among some Republicans in extending his global tariffs, which were struck down by the Supreme Court. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have vowed to block any efforts to extend the tariffs, and efforts to seek a new 15 percent tariff are unlikely to succeed given congressional opposition. The tariffs, which could cost U.S. households an estimated $700 this year, rely on legal provisions scheduled to expire after 150 days, and public opinion largely supports the Supreme Court's ruling against the tariffs.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., formerly an environmental lawyer who fought against glyphosate, now supports its increased production and regulatory protections under an executive order from President Trump, citing the need for agricultural stability and national security. This shift has caused division among environmental and activist groups, with some critics accusing Kennedy of betraying earlier anti-pesticide principles and aligning with pesticide industry interests. The Biden administration and environmental advocates remain skeptical, seeking independent reviews of glyphosate's health effects and further regulation.
Trump invoked the 1974 US Trade Act to impose new tariffs following a Supreme Court loss, referencing potential "balance-of-payments" issues. Experts analyze whether the law's language about a "balance of payments deficit" is historically appropriate today, noting that the concept was relevant during the Bretton Woods era when official reserve movements balanced deficits. The article emphasizes that the US currently does not face the same international payments problems as in the 1970s and that the law's framing may no longer be applicable to modern economic conditions.
Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, is also the production partner of the A&E reality series "Desert Law," which follows his deputies in Arizona. Although Nanos does not appear on the show, he has been actively engaging with the media, sometimes in confrontational interviews, amid the ongoing missing person case. His dual role as law enforcement official and reality TV producer, along with his media strategies, has garnered attention and added a layer of public scrutiny to the case.
According to PolitiFact's MAGA-Meter, President Donald Trump has fulfilled approximately 19% of his campaign promises, including signing a tax law extension and pardoning Jan. 6 defendants, while many promises remain unfulfilled or stalled due to congressional inaction, court rulings, or lack of initiative. Notably, he promised to end the Ukraine-Russia war within 24 hours but has not achieved a peace deal. Several promises related to voting requirements and reducing the cost of goods are still in progress or stalled.
During a White House ceremony, President Donald Trump became distracted mid-speech, abruptly addressing and speaking directly to Patty Morin, a woman in the audience advocating for her murdered daughter, and discussing her eye surgery. He also made unrelated comments about a snowstorm in New York and continued to shift topics, resulting in confusion among attendees. The event featured a series of off-topic remarks, including false claims about the 2020 election and statements about the economy, ending with Trump leaving the stage abruptly.
President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST before Congress, with live coverage on ABC News and online platforms. The speech is expected to address topics including tensions with Iran, economic policy, immigration, and the ongoing government shutdown. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response, and the event will include attendance from members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and guests with notable stories.
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.
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.
