In the next few weeks, the US Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the Trump administration’s tariff war against the world is likely to be made  known. The case, centering on whether the President has the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to bypass Congress and impose sweeping “reciprocal” or “universal” tariffs, will really not be of any consequence in the world of geopolitics and international relations conducted by the US administration.

Although observers note that the justices appeared largely skeptical of the administration’s broad use of IEEPA to levy duties, a power typically reserved for Congress under the Taxing and Spending Clause, it is unlikely that the current court of not so independent judicial minds, with its conservative majority beholden to President Trump and his administration – will defy or embarrass him with judgment on an issue that undercuts or undermines the current American policy on international trade and commerce.

The Court is currently in winter recess. The next scheduled session is February 20, 2026, which is a potential date for the release of the opinion.  Even if the Supreme Court invalidates the IEEPA-based tariffs, the administration has signaled its ability to shift to other legal frameworks to maintain its trade policy. These include those related to national security, unfair trade practices and balance of payments authority which comprise a virtually unbeatable arsenal for the administration.

Hence, expect no change in US tariff policy whoever and whatever the opposition is within the States. The pivotal players are its initiators and framers – Trump (tariffs is the “most beautiful word “ and “make us rich as hell”) and his team of Scott Bessent, ​Jamieson Greer, Howard Lutnick and Robert Lighthizer. They view tariffs not as........

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