Trump Moves to Expand National Security Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

Key Facts

Published: February 23, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wall Street Journal

• Supreme Court strikes down key Trump reciprocal tariffs in 6–3 ruling
• White House pivots to Section 232 national security authority to impose new levies
• Industries targeted include batteries, industrial chemicals, grid equipment, and semiconductors

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – The Trump administration is preparing a new wave of national security tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of President Donald Trump’s second-term levies, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The high court ruled 6–3 last week that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act exceeded presidential authority, wiping out more than half of the revenue generated by Trump’s recent reciprocal tariffs. However, the ruling did not affect tariffs issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — a legal authority the administration is now moving to expand.

Officials familiar with the plans say new Section 232 investigations could target large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals, and power grid and telecommunications equipment. Section 232 allows the president to impose tariffs if imports are deemed a threat to national security, following a Commerce Department investigation.

President Trump has already used Section 232 in his second term to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles, trucks, and auto parts — measures that remain legally intact despite the Supreme Court decision.

In addition, the administration is weighing tariffs on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, drones, industrial robots, and solar-grade polysilicon under previously opened Section 232 probes. Some of those investigations could be accelerated in response to the court ruling.

The White House signaled it intends to move aggressively. “Safeguarding America’s national and economic security remains a top priority for President Trump, and the Administration remains committed to using every lawful authority to deliver,” spokesman Kush Desai said.

Separately, the administration is also reviewing potential changes to existing steel and aluminum tariffs. While nominal tariff rates could be lowered, officials are considering applying duties to the full product value rather than just the steel or aluminum content — a move that could increase overall tariff payments for some companies.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration may “adjust the way some of the tariffs are applied for compliance purposes,” suggesting further structural changes could be announced in the coming weeks.

The developments mark a strategic shift by the Trump administration as it pivots toward more legally durable trade tools following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Latest Worthy News