Companies Entitled to Refunds for Overturned Trump Tariffs

Federal judge rules in favor of businesses that paid tariffs later deemed unconstitutional

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A federal judge in New York has ruled that companies are entitled to refunds for tariffs they paid during the Trump administration that were later struck down by the Supreme Court. The ruling is a defeat for the former Trump administration, which had sought to deny refunds to businesses that were impacted by the controversial tariffs.

Why it matters

This ruling could open the door for companies to recoup millions of dollars in tariffs they were forced to pay on certain imported goods, which were ultimately deemed unconstitutional by the nation's highest court. It highlights the legal battles that continue to play out over the economic policies of the previous presidential administration.

The details

The federal judge in New York sided with the companies, ruling that they are entitled to refunds for the tariffs they paid even though the Trump administration had sought to deny those refunds. The judge determined that the tariffs, which were imposed on a range of imported goods, were unlawful and that the companies should be reimbursed for the money they were forced to pay.

  • The Trump administration imposed the controversial tariffs in the early 2020s.
  • The Supreme Court later struck down the tariffs as unconstitutional in 2025.
  • The federal judge in New York issued the ruling in favor of the companies on March 5, 2026.

The players

Trump administration

The former presidential administration of Donald Trump, which imposed the tariffs that were later ruled unconstitutional.

Supreme Court

The nation's highest court, which ultimately struck down the Trump administration's tariffs as unlawful.

Federal judge in New York

The judge who ruled in favor of the companies, determining they are entitled to refunds for the tariffs they paid.

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What they’re saying

“This ruling is a major victory for businesses that were unfairly targeted by the previous administration's misguided trade policies.”

— John Smith, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to appeal the federal judge's ruling, setting up a continued legal battle over the tariff refunds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the lasting economic and legal impacts of the controversial trade policies pursued by the previous presidential administration, which continue to be litigated in the courts.