Macron Praises US Court Ruling Against Trump's Tariffs: The Rule of Law Prevails
February 21, 2026123 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the broad tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, considering the ruling as evidence of the strength of institutions in democratic systems.
Macron's comments came on Saturday during his visit to the annual International Agricultural Show in Paris, where he said:
“It is not bad to have a Supreme Court and the rule of law. It is good to have authority and checks on power in democratic countries.”
Macron's comments came on Saturday during his visit to the annual International Agricultural Show in Paris, where he said:
“It is not bad to have a Supreme Court and the rule of law. It is good to have authority and checks on power in democratic countries.”
The Court Shocks Trump
The US Supreme Court ruled, by a majority of six votes to three, that the global tariffs imposed by Trump were illegal based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The court found that the decision exceeded the powers granted to the president under this law, in a ruling considered a significant legal blow to Trump's trade policies.
Trump Responds with Alternative Tariffs
The US President did not delay his response, announcing his intention to impose a global tariff of 10% for 150 days, based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
According to his statements, the new tariffs will come into effect within three days and will be added to the existing tariffs, in a move that indicates his commitment to trade pressure despite the legal setback.
The law allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a maximum of 150 days to address “serious and substantial” issues in the balance of payments, without the need for complex investigation procedures.
European Cautious Stance
Macron confirmed that France will study the implications of any new tariffs, emphasizing that his country will continue to export its products to global markets.
The French stance reflects a cautious European anticipation, amid fears of renewed trade tensions between Washington and its partners, and the potential implications for supply chains and global markets.
Power Struggle or Trade Escalation?
The recent development raises broader questions about the limits of executive power in the United States and the role of the judiciary in curbing emergency economic decisions.
While some observers see the ruling as reinforcing the principle of separation of powers, others believe Trump's resort to alternative legal tools signals a new round of trade escalation that could extend its effects beyond the Atlantic.
