On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling, declaring that the extensive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on nations across the globe are in violation of federal law. This decision has elicited immediate reactions from various lawmakers in Maryland.
This ruling marks the first time one of Trump’s broader initiatives has reached the Supreme Court since he began his second term last year, representing a considerable setback for the president. Trump has previously labeled this case as one of the most pivotal in U.S. history, asserting that the nation would be “screwed” if the tariffs were overturned.
In a majority opinion penned by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court ruled 6-3 that the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs imposed by Trump on nearly every country are unlawful.
The majority opinion emphasized that the Constitution “clearly” grants Congress the authority to impose taxes, including tariffs. “The Framers did not assign any part of the taxing power to the Executive Branch,” Roberts stated.
Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented in this ruling.
“Finally, SCOTUS has confirmed what we’ve known all along — Trump’s tariffs constitute an unconstitutional tax on the American populace,” remarked Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland on X. “Over the past year, working families have incurred an average of $1,000 more due to these tariffs, and Trump lacks a plan to return that money to your pockets.”
Maryland Representative Sarah Elfreth, a Democrat from Annapolis, also expressed her thoughts, labeling the ruling as “great news for American families.”
“This also serves as a vital check on the President and reinforces Congress’s role as a coequal branch of government,” Elfreth added.
Other Maryland lawmakers shared their reactions:
💯 🎯 https://t.co/DuSiiN0tsq
— Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (@JohnnyOJr) February 20, 2026
SCOTUS just confirmed what we all knew: Trump’s reckless tariffs were illegal. Maryland farmers and small businesses shouldn’t be collateral damage in economic temper tantrums that drive up costs. I’m focused on lowering costs for American families and will keep fighting…
— Rep. April McClain Delaney (@RepAprilDelaney) February 20, 2026
As of this writing, Andy Harris, Maryland’s sole Republican U.S. representative, had not yet issued a statement regarding the court’s decision.
These tariffs, enacted by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, have faced scrutiny both domestically and internationally from business leaders and organizations alike.
Federal data indicates that the Treasury had collected over $133 billion from the import taxes imposed by the president under the emergency powers law as of December, with projected impacts over the next decade estimated at around $3 trillion.
The court’s majority did not address the possibility of companies receiving refunds for the billions they have collectively paid in tariffs. Numerous companies, including the well-known warehouse chain Costco, have already sought refunds in lower courts.
Furthermore, this ruling does not prevent Trump from imposing duties under other legal frameworks. Although these have more constraints regarding the speed and extent of actions, top officials in the administration have indicated their intention to maintain the tariff structure under different authorities.
Trump referred to the majority decision as “a disgrace” when he was informed during a morning meeting with several governors, according to a source with direct knowledge of his reaction who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversation.
