Trump Vents Frustration Over Delayed Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

The president says he's had to wait "many months" for a decision on the tariffs case, even though tariffs are still being collected.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump expressed frustration with the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, telling steel workers that he has had to wait "many months" for a decision on the tariffs case, even though tariffs are still being collected. The court heard oral arguments on the case three and a half months ago, and a decision could come as soon as Friday.

Why it matters

Trump's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches over the president's use of tariffs, which have been a key part of his trade policy. The Supreme Court's eventual ruling could have significant implications for the scope of presidential authority on trade matters.

The details

The Supreme Court appeared skeptical of Trump's authority to impose sweeping tariffs via executive orders without Congress during the November 5 oral arguments. Trump told workers at the Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia that he is "waiting for a decision" from the court, and claimed the "language is clear" that he has the right to impose tariffs for national security purposes.

  • The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the tariffs case on November 5, 2025.
  • A decision from the Supreme Court on the tariffs case could come as soon as Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who imposed a series of tariffs that are now being challenged in the Supreme Court.

U.S. Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, which is currently considering the legality of the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“And to think I have to be, in the United States Supreme Court for many, many months, waiting for a decision on tariffs — without tariffs, this country would be in such trouble right now.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (alternet.org)

“I'm waiting for a decision from the Supreme Court. Can you imagine? We have to wait.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (alternet.org)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the legality of the Trump administration's tariffs in the coming days or weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing power struggle between the executive and judicial branches over the president's use of tariffs as a trade policy tool. The Supreme Court's eventual ruling could have far-reaching implications for the scope of presidential authority on economic and national security matters.