Trump Lashes Out at Supreme Court Justices After Ruling Against His Tariff Policy

The president's upcoming State of the Union address will likely focus on theatrics and his emotions, not substance, says his biographer Michael Wolff.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:09pm

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President Donald Trump is expected to use his upcoming State of the Union address to vent his anger at the Supreme Court after the justices ruled against his signature economic policy in a 6-3 decision. Trump has lashed out at the two justices he appointed, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, saying their "families would be ashamed." Biographer Michael Wolff says Trump's address will be about his "theatrics" and "emotions" in responding to the perceived betrayal, rather than any substantive policy.

Why it matters

Trump's erratic and emotional response to the Supreme Court's ruling highlights the growing tensions between the president and the nation's highest court, which he had previously considered to be in his "back pocket." This could set the tone for a contentious State of the Union address and further strain the relationship between the executive and judicial branches.

The details

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the means by which Trump enacted his tariff policy was illegal, finding that the president had exceeded his authority by installing the tariffs based on a "national emergency." Trump has been filled with rage since the ruling, instituting a global 10 percent tariff immediately after the decision on Friday and then raising it to 15 percent on Saturday. He has lashed out specifically at the two justices he appointed, Gorsuch and Barrett, saying their "families would be ashamed."

  • On Friday, the Supreme Court issued its 6-3 ruling against Trump's tariff policy.
  • On Friday, Trump instituted a global 10 percent tariff in response to the ruling.
  • On Saturday, Trump raised the tariff to 15 percent.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is facing backlash from the Supreme Court's ruling against his signature economic policy.

Neil Gorsuch

A Supreme Court justice appointed by Trump who ruled against the president's tariff policy.

Amy Coney Barrett

A Supreme Court justice appointed by Trump who ruled against the president's tariff policy.

John Roberts

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who Trump is seen as having a growing animosity towards.

Michael Wolff

Trump's biographer who argues the president's upcoming State of the Union address will focus on theatrics and emotions rather than substance.

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What they’re saying

“He wears it all on his sleeve. He has done that for years now.”

— Michael Wolff, Trump's biographer (The Daily Beast)

“It absolutely is the mad queen from Alice in Wonderland. 'Off with their heads, off with their heads.'”

— Joanna Coles, Co-host (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.