Trump calls Supreme Court justices 'disloyal to the Constitution' over tariffs ruling
#Trump Supreme Court#Tariff ruling#Foreign influence#State of the Union#Conservative majority#Executive power#Constitutional interpretation
📌 Key Takeaways
Trump attacked Supreme Court justices after 6-3 ruling against his tariffs
Two justices in the majority (Gorsuch and Barrett) were appointed by Trump
Trump accused majority of being 'swayed by foreign interests' without evidence
Trump could face justices at upcoming State of the Union address
Trump praised dissenting justices including Kavanaugh
📖 Full Retelling
President Donald Trump on Friday launched an extraordinary attack on the Supreme Court after it ruled against him on tariffs, describing justices in the majority as a 'disgrace to our nation' and 'very unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution' during remarks at the White House in Washington. The 6-3 ruling invalidated most of Trump's tariffs, with the president suggesting the majority was 'swayed by foreign interests' and calling the three Democratic appointees in the majority 'fools and lapdogs' to moderate Republicans and Democrats. 'The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country,' Trump stated. Notably, two justices in the majority — Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — were appointed by Trump and have frequently ruled in his favor in other cases. While presidents often criticize Supreme Court rulings that upend major policies, it is highly unusual for them to use such harsh and personal language directed at the justices. Trump could come face to face with at least some of the nine justices next week at his State of the Union address, which is being held on Tuesday. When asked about the possibility, Trump remarked, 'I couldn't care less if they come,' during his speech in which he announced new tariffs to replace those the court struck down. Elaborating on his claim of foreign interference without providing evidence, Trump suggested that foreign interests have 'undue influence' on the court. 'They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court. Whether it's through fear or respect or friendships, I don't know,' he added. In criticizing the court, Trump did not mention any of the justices in the majority by name, but he explicitly praised the dissenters: Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh, singling out Kavanaugh for special praise by saying, 'I'm so proud of him.' When later addressing the votes of Barrett and Gorsuch, Trump stated, 'I think their decision was terrible. I think it's an embarrassment to their families.'
🏷️ Themes
Executive-Judicial Relations, Trade Policy, Separation of Powers
Annual report by the president of the United States
The State of the Union address (sometimes abbreviated to SOTU) is an annual message delivered by the president of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress near the beginning of most calendar years on the current condition of the nation. The speech generally includes reports...
With the advice and consent of the United States Senate, the president of the United States appoints the members of the Supreme Court of the United States, which is the highest court of the federal judiciary of the United States. Following his victory in the 2016 presidential election, Republican Do...
Trump's harsh criticism of the Supreme Court after a 6-3 tariff ruling highlights a rare clash between the executive and judicial branches, potentially affecting his policy agenda and public perception. The remarks also raise concerns about the independence of the courts and the politicization of judicial decisions.
Context & Background
Supreme Court invalidated most of Trump's tariffs in a 6-3 decision
Trump appointed two justices in the majority, Gorsuch and Barrett
The ruling was seen as a setback to Trump's trade policy
What Happens Next
Trump is expected to address the court's decision in his upcoming State of the Union speech, where he may announce new tariffs and further criticize the justices. The court may also face increased scrutiny from the public and lawmakers over its perceived political leanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Trump criticize the Supreme Court so strongly?
He viewed the 6-3 decision as a betrayal of his trade policy and felt the justices were influenced by foreign interests.
Which justices did Trump praise?
He praised the dissenting justices, including Thomas, Alito and Kavanaugh, and singled out Kavanaugh for special praise.
What might happen at the State of the Union?
Trump may announce new tariffs and use the address to further criticize the court and rally his base.
Could this affect future court appointments?
The controversy may influence how future presidents approach judicial appointments and the public's perception of the court's independence.
Original Source
Trump calls Supreme Court justices 'disloyal to the Constitution' over tariffs ruling The president launched a vitriolic attack on the justices who ruled against him, including two he appointed. Add NBC News to Google Trump: Supreme Court tariff ruling is 'disappointing' and justices should be 'ashamed' 01:22 Get more news on Share Add NBC News to Google Feb. 20, 2026, 2:21 PM EST By Lawrence Hurley Listen to this article with a free account 00:00 00:00 WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday launched an extraordinary attack on the Supreme Court after it ruled against him on tariffs , describing justices in the majority as a “disgrace to our nation” and “very unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution.” While praising the three dissenting justices in the 6-3 ruling that invalidated most of his tariffs , Trump suggested the majority was “swayed by foreign interests” and said the three Democratic appointees in the majority are “fools and lapdogs” to moderate Republicans and Democrats. “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump said in remarks at the White House. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority that frequently rules in his favor. While presidents often criticize Supreme Court rulings that upend major policies, it is highly unusual for them to use such harsh and personal language. Two justices in the majority — Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — were appointed by Trump and have frequently ruled in his favor in other cases. Trump could come face to face with at least some of the nine justices next week at his State of the Union address, which is being held on Tuesday. Add NBC News to Google How the Supreme Court's tariff decision could play into Trump's State of the Union speech 01:51 “I couldn’t care less if they come,” Trump said during his remarks, in which he announced new tariffs t...
