Trump news at a glance: President condemns ‘anti-American decision’ and pursues new tariffs avenue | Trump administration
Donald Trump raised overall tariffs on U.S. imports to 15% on Saturday, doubling down on his promise to maintain his aggressive tariff policy a day after the Supreme Court ruled much of it illegal.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that after a thorough review of the court’s “extraordinarily un-American decision” Friday to curb his tariff program, the administration was increasing levies on imports “to the fully authorized and legally tested level of 15 percent.”
Shortly after the court’s 6-3 decision rejecting the president’s authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 Economic Emergency Powers Act, Trump initially announced a new 10% overall levy, citing a different legal route.
Trump increases tariffs to 15% on imports from all countries
Although Trump’s announcement claimed the new tariffs would take effect “immediately,” it was unclear whether any official documents had been signed confirming the timeline. A White House fact sheet released Friday regarding the initial 10% tariffs indicates that the levies will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on February 24.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would go to Washington with a coordinated European position and warned of the “poison” of greater uncertainty. French President Emmanuel Macron said France would consider the consequences of the new global tariff and that the fairest rule was “reciprocity”.
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US businesses demand refunds after Supreme Court overturns Trump tariffs
Major US business associations are demanding reimbursement for tariffs imposed by Trump following Friday’s Supreme Court ruling. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also called for the rapid return of about $133 billion in collected tariffs covered by the ruling.
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‘A dictator vibe’ as Trump puts his name and face front and center
The display Thursday of a huge banner bearing the image of Donald J. Trump, outside the headquarters of the federal Department of Justice in Washington, is only the latest example of how he has imposed himself in all facets of American life. Some critics have called it a “dictator vibe.”
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Trump approves federal emergency declaration over Potomac River sewage spill
Trump on Saturday approved a federal emergency declaration related to a main sewer break north of Washington DC that threatens to spoil US 250th birthday celebrations in the US capital this summer.
Iran prepares nuclear counterproposal as US considers limited military strikes
Iran’s foreign minister said he hoped to have a draft counterproposal ready within days of nuclear negotiations with the United States this week, while Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.
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What else happened today:
A catch-up? Here’s what happened February 20, 2026.
