Saturday, February 20, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The United States Supreme Court has dealt a major setback to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda by invalidating his sweeping global tariffs, including those imposed on Nigeria and 184 other countries, prompting a furious response from the U.S. president and raising fresh questions about trade policy and executive authority.
In a 6–3 ruling on Friday, the apex court declared that the tariffs initially introduced by Trump in April 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal because the statute did not grant the President unilateral authority to levy broad import duties without explicit approval from the U.S. Congress. The judiciary emphasised that the Constitution assigns tariff and tax powers to Congress, not the executive branch.
Under the now-voided policy, Nigeria had been subjected to a 15 per cent tariff on its exports to the U.S. — one element of a wider “reciprocal tariff” strategy Trump framed as a response to perceived unfair trade practices. The nullification covers the tariff regime applied to Nigeria and countless other nations, although some sector-specific duties imposed under different statutes remain unaffected.
Responding forcefully at the White House, Trump described the Supreme Court’s decision as “deeply disappointing” and criticised what he characterised as a lack of judicial courage by certain justices. He rejected the verdict and insisted he would pursue alternative pathways to protect American trade interests.
In immediate reaction, Trump announced plans to implement a 10 per cent global tariff through other statutory authority, including sections of the Trade Act of 1974, and stated that other national security tariffs would remain in force. This newly announced tariff framework is intended to bypass the limitations identified by the court although such measures are subject to limitations in scope and duration.
Legal and economic analysts view the ruling as one of the most significant checks on presidential economic powers in years, underscoring the constitutional division between executive action and congressional authority in setting trade policy. Experts also note the uncertainty created by the court’s refusal to address how funds already collected under the now-voided tariffs should be treated, raising questions about potential refunds or compensation for importers.
The case is widely seen as reshaping the future of U.S. trade diplomacy, particularly for developing economies like Nigeria that have been drawn into broader tariff disputes. While the administration maintains it will seek other legal avenues to sustain protectionist measures, the verdict highlights persistent tension between judicial oversight and executive trade ambitions.
Key points from the ruling and reaction:
- The Supreme Court ruled the global tariffs illegal due to lack of congressional authorization.
- President Trump labelled the decision “deeply disappointing” and pledged new tariff measures under different laws.
- Nigeria and other affected countries now face uncertainty about future U.S. tariffs and potential refunds.
The ruling marks a dramatic moment in U.S. trade policy and has wide implications for international commerce, bilateral relations, and the constitutional balance of power.