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Trump Rages at Crowd, Then Supreme Court Ruling Triggers Public Meltdown
Even Trump's allies back away as the former president unleashes profanity-filled tirade over tariff decision
Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:54pm
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An outraged President Donald Trump ranted and raved at Georgia voters over his tariff policy during a speech at a steel company, but his fury ramped up even further when he learned the U.S. Supreme Court had declared most of the levies illegal. Trump's public meltdown pushed even his closest allies to distance themselves.
Why it matters
The Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariffs is a major blow to the former president's economic policies and his claims of executive authority. It highlights the limits on presidential power and the checks and balances of the U.S. government, even for a leader who has pushed the boundaries of presidential power.
The details
Trump bypassed Congress last April to enact sweeping tariffs through executive orders on almost every U.S. trading partner, claiming he had the right to do so under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, the Supreme Court disagreed in a 6-3 ruling, determining that Trump exceeded his authority in levying the tariffs, which are essentially taxes on Americans and U.S. businesses because they drive up the costs of imported goods. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to levy tariffs, not the president.
- On Thursday, Trump visited Georgia to show support for a congressional candidate.
- On Friday morning, the Supreme Court issued its 6-3 ruling against Trump's tariffs.
- On Friday afternoon, Trump held a press conference where he unleashed a profanity-filled tirade against the court and the decision.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who enacted sweeping tariffs through executive orders, claiming he had the authority to do so under the IEEPA.
U.S. Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States that ruled 6-3 against Trump's tariffs, determining he exceeded his authority in levying them.
Clay Fuller
A prosecutor who is one of more than a dozen candidates vying to replace former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
What they’re saying
“Everybody, the whole country would be bankrupt, and I have to wait for this decision.”
— Donald Trump, Former President
“Why is he yelling to an audience of less than 100. Maybe 50.”
— Social media user
“Trump is melting down. One minute he's raging, then he's whining, then he's threatening, then he sounds like he's about to cry. Rambling off on tangents. Totally unhinged, manic.”
— Ron Filipkowski, Editor-in-chief, MeidasTouch
What’s next
Although the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs Trump enacted under the IEEPA, the former president said he plans to impose a new 10% global tariff under a different law that limits them to 150 days.
The takeaway
The Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariffs is a significant check on presidential power, highlighting the limits of executive authority and the importance of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government. The former president's public meltdown and the distancing of his allies show the political fallout from this legal defeat.
