President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in the United States’ global tariff rate on imports from all countries, raising it to 15 per cent, in a bold move following a legal setback from the U.S. Supreme Court.
The announcement on Saturday, February 21, 2026, came just a day after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision struck down elements of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, ruling that he had exceeded his authority in using emergency powers to impose wide-ranging import duties.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the government would immediately raise the temporary global tariff rate from 10 per cent to the full 15 per cent level permitted under U.S. trade law.
He described the court’s decision as “extraordinarily anti-American” and said the tariff increase was legally justified.
The Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s initial tariffs, imposed under a 1977 economic emergency authority, went beyond what the law allows.
In response, the White House invoked a different statutory provision, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose temporary import duties of up to 15 per cent without Congressional approval for up to 150 days.
The use of Section 122 is untested, and after the 150-day period, Trump’s administration would need Congressional consent to extend the tariffs under this authority.
Trump’s announcement drew mixed reactions at home and abroad.
Domestically, critics argue that higher tariffs could drive up costs for American consumers and sow uncertainty in global supply chains.
Supporters, however, see the move as a continuation of Trump’s protectionist trade agenda intended to defend U.S. industries and jobs.
Internationally, major trading partners are closely monitoring the situation, as elevated tariffs could impact diplomatic trade relationships and spark broader trade tensions if countries retaliate with their own duties.
Officials in Washington have said that more detailed tariff levels for specific countries and products will be determined in the coming months, within the limits permitted under current law.
Trade analysts warn that the tariff hike may influence global markets and heighten debate over presidential trade powers and U.S. economic strategy.
