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Atlanta Professor Outlines Next Steps After Trump Tariffs Ruled Illegal
Oglethorpe University expert discusses Supreme Court ruling and Trump's vow to implement tariffs in other ways.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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A politics professor at Atlanta's Oglethorpe University, Joe Knippenberg, spoke with Atlanta News First about the Supreme Court's recent ruling that President Donald Trump's signature tariffs are illegal. Knippenberg discussed what will happen to the existing tariffs, how the money already collected is being used, and how Trump's proposed 10% executive order tariff differs from the previous ones.
Why it matters
The Supreme Court's decision to strike down Trump's tariffs is a significant legal and political development, as the former president has vowed to find other ways to implement the tariffs. Knippenberg's analysis provides important context and insight into the potential next steps and implications of this ongoing trade policy dispute.
The details
In its ruling, the Supreme Court determined that Trump overstepped his authority in unilaterally imposing the tariffs without Congressional approval. However, Trump has stated he will seek to implement the tariffs through an executive order, which could set up further legal challenges. Knippenberg explained that the existing tariffs will likely remain in place for now, and the revenue collected has been used for various government programs. The proposed 10% executive order tariff would differ from the previous tariffs in its implementation and legal standing.
- On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump's signature tariffs are illegal.
- Trump has vowed to implement the tariffs in other ways, such as through an executive order.
The players
Joe Knippenberg
A politics professor at Atlanta's Oglethorpe University who provided analysis on the Supreme Court's ruling and Trump's plans.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. president who imposed the tariffs that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court, and who has vowed to find other ways to implement them.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Trump to implement the tariffs through an executive order.
The takeaway
This Supreme Court ruling represents a significant legal setback for Trump's trade policies, but the former president's vow to find alternative ways to impose the tariffs suggests this dispute is far from over. The potential for further legal battles and the broader implications for U.S. trade relations remain to be seen.
