The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down President Donald Trump's tariff policy has revealed cracks in his authority, according to experts. Professor Rajneesh Narula of International Business Regulation suggests that this decision could intensify domestic pressure on Trump.
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The court deemed it unconstitutional for the president to unilaterally set and change tariffs. In response, Trump announced a 10% levy, quickly increasing it to 15% on imports, despite the ruling. This move highlighted Trump's intention to find workarounds to maintain his economic strategies.
Narula, an expert in global trade policy, noted that Trump's tariff initiatives have strained US consumers more than achieving intended foreign impacts. He remarked that the tariffs failed to deliver promised outcomes, and there’s a growing need for acknowledgment of this reality.
Trump expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court decision, labeling it "deeply disappointing" and the justices as "absolutely ashamed". He contended that the ruling was incorrect but insisted that "very powerful alternatives" remain.
Narula pointed out that many Americans believed tariffs would reduce prices and bolster the domestic economy, which hasn't occurred. He suggested that the Supreme Court's decision could spark broader resistance to Trump's economic policies, undermining his perceived supremacy.
A YouGov poll showed 60% of Americans approve of the court's decision, with only 23% in opposition. Furthermore, Pew Research Center found that most Americans expect the tariff policy to have negative effects on both the country and themselves.
The ruling has prompted discussions about Trump's domestic power dynamics. As domestic resistance builds, Narula believes it might shape and constrain Trump's authority further. He emphasized that while immediate changes might be minimal if Trump pursues workarounds, the underlying policy foundation is beginning to show signs of weakness.
Despite fierce reactions and attempts to circumvent the legal obstacles, Trump's presidency faces potential challenges as public sentiment shifts and legal constraints tighten, questioning the future viability of his tariff strategy.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 21 Feb 2026