WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Trump’s tariffs have been the center of attention this week in Washington.
A recent Supreme Court decision, striking down his sweeping emergency trade powers, loomed large over Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
During the State of the Union, President Donald Trump defended his trade and tariff strategy — even though the Supreme Court ruled Friday that he violated federal law by using emergency authority to impose global tariffs. As the president entered the House chamber, he greeted the conservative justices who ruled against him — before later criticizing the decision from the podium.
“Despite the disappointing ruling, these powerful, country saving — it’s saving our country the kind of money we’re taking in,” said President Trump.
The high court’s decision forced the administration to shift strategies and invoke different legal authority. The president’s new tariff approach — a 10% global tariff — went into effect Tuesday, despite saying Saturday it would be 15% “effective immediately.”
Either way, the new tariff authority being used by the president will need congressional approval after 150 days in order to continue.
“I don’t think that the votes are there today for that,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y.
“I don’t think there’s enough Democrats that would vote for a 10% tariff. And I think there’s definitely a handful of Republicans that would vote against a tariff,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.
Congressman Nick Langworthy says despite the court’s decision, the tariffs have been a vital tool.
“Major pharmaceutical manufacturers, major international companies changed their business model based on the threat of tariffs, and they’ve brought production back to the United States,” said Langworthy.
Other Republicans, including Congressman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., say tariffs need to be used appropriately- especially when it comes to steel imports.
“We’ve got to find a way to- if we really need it, let’s build it at home. If we don’t have it, we’ve got to bring it in. Let’s not make it so expensive that the people who use it, go out of business,” said Kelly.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats introduced the “Tariff Refund Act of 2026” on Monday. It would require a full refund — plus interest — of $175 billion in tariff revenue paid by U.S. companies. Reimbursements would go to small U.S. importers and businesses first, with all refunds processed within 180 days.
Sen. Gillibrand was part of a similar effort last year. On Wednesday, she echoed demands for small-business tariff refunds.
“I’m demanding that the Trump administration immediately refund small businesses for the costs incurred due to the illegal tariffs and make sure that these translate to lower prices for consumers,” said Gillibrand.
FedEx is the latest major company to sue the federal government for a full tariff refund.
