Supreme Court adds Feb. 20 decision day for tariff ruling
First opinion release in four weeks expected to address Trump tariff authority
First opinion release in four weeks expected to address Trump tariff authority
The Supreme Court announced Feb. 20, 2026, as an opinion release day on Feb. 13. This is the first decision day in four weeks. The Court typically releases opinions on Mondays and Thursdays during the term.
Chief Justice
Presides over decision announcements. Typically announces major constitutional rulings personally.

Associate Justice
During oral arguments, questioned whether IEEPA clearly authorizes tariffs without Congress.
Solicitor General
Defended Trump's tariff authority, arguing IEEPA gives president broad economic emergency powers.
Attorney for Chamber of Commerce
Argued tariffs exceed presidential authority and violate separation of powers.
Former Solicitor General (Biden administration)
Filed amicus brief arguing IEEPA doesn't authorize tariffs on constitutional grounds.
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
The constitutional system that divides power between national and state governments, determining who controls immigration, healthcare, voting, and other major policies.
Process by which most Bill of Rights protections apply to state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause.
Liberties that courts protect from government restriction unless the government shows a compelling interest and uses narrowly tailored means.
Federal courts' constitutional authority to hear cases involving federal law, treaties, and the Constitution itself.
Highest court, final interpreter of the Constitution
An urgent court order that temporarily freezes a lower court ruling.
True
Tariffs cost $16 billion per month
True
IEEPA doesn't explicitly mention tariffs
True
First opinion day in four weeks
Monitor Supreme Court decisions at supremecourt.gov on Feb. 20 starting at 10 a.m. EST when opinions are released.
Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators to support legislation clarifying presidential tariff authority. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
Support organizations tracking Supreme Court impacts: Constitutional Accountability Center, Brennan Center for Justice.