Trump Confirms Stronger Tariff Authorities Available After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling

2 min read     Updated on 20 Feb 2026, 09:49 PM
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Overview

Following the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision declaring IEEPA-based tariffs illegal, President Trump has confirmed that stronger alternative methods, statutes, and authorities are available for tariff implementation. Treasury Secretary Bessent supports this with strategic plans to return to same tariff levels through less direct methods, including Section 122 authority and enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs, projecting virtually unchanged revenue in 2026.

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The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling on trade policy, declaring Trump's tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as illegal. The decision was reached by a 6-3 majority, marking a notable development in trade law enforcement.

Trump's Response on Alternative Authorities

President Trump has directly addressed the Supreme Court ruling, stating that there are "methods, statutes, and authorities stronger than IEEPA that can be used." This statement provides the administration's most definitive response to the legal constraints imposed by the Supreme Court's decision on IEEPA-based tariffs.

Presidential Statement: Details
Alternative Methods: Methods, statutes, and authorities available
Comparative Strength: Stronger than IEEPA
Implementation Status: Can be used for tariff purposes
Source: President Trump

Treasury Secretary's Strategic Response

Treasury Secretary Bessent has provided the administration's clearest indication yet of its post-ruling strategy, stating that "we will get back to the same tariff level for countries, it will be less direct." This statement comes as the administration navigates the legal constraints imposed by the Supreme Court's decision.

Bessent previously defended the administration's use of IEEPA tariffs, stating that they were "custom-made for Trump's leverage" and were "much cleaner than other authorities." However, the new approach acknowledges the need for alternative implementation methods.

Strategic Approach: Details
Tariff Levels: Will return to same levels for countries
Implementation: Less direct methods
Previous Assessment: IEEPA was cleaner than other authorities
Source: Treasury Secretary Bessent

Alternative Revenue Strategy Framework

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Treasury Secretary Bessent has provided detailed estimates regarding alternative tariff implementation strategies. According to prepared remarks, the Treasury projects that using Section 122 authority, combined with potentially enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs, would result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026.

Revenue Strategy: Details
Primary Authority: Section 122
Supporting Measures: Enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs
Revenue Impact: Virtually unchanged in 2026
Source: Treasury estimates in prepared remarks

White House Response and Court Decision

The White House has announced that President Trump will hold a press briefing on the Supreme Court's tariff decision at 12:45PM ET. The Supreme Court's ruling specifically targets the legal basis for tariffs imposed using IEEPA authority, with the 6-3 decision indicating a clear majority position against the use of this particular legal framework for trade measures.

Key Developments: Details
Court Decision: IEEPA tariffs ruled illegal (6-3 majority)
Presidential Briefing: 12:45PM ET on Supreme Court decision
Legal Framework: International Emergency Economic Powers Act

Trade Policy Implementation Path

Following the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has outlined a comprehensive alternative approach that maintains tariff effectiveness while operating within legal constraints. Trump's confirmation of stronger alternative authorities, combined with the Treasury's revenue projections and Bessent's latest statements, suggests that alternative tariff strategies will achieve the same economic impact through different legal mechanisms, representing a strategic adaptation to the court's decision.

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