Trump’s Appointees FLIP – Stunning Court Rebellion

President Trump turned on his own Supreme Court appointees Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett with vicious personal attacks after they helped strike down his tariffs—what does this reveal about loyalty in conservative ranks?

Story Snapshot

Supreme Court rules 6-3 against Trump’s tariffs on February 20, 2026, citing overreach under IEEPA.
Trump blasts Gorsuch and Barrett, his own picks, claiming they hate America and face foreign influence.
Unusual coalition: conservative justices join liberals to curb executive power.
Trump announces new 10% global tariff, dismisses Congress despite ruling.
Ruling reinforces major questions doctrine, shifting tariff authority to lawmakers.

Supreme Court Delivers Tariff Blow

The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, striking down President Trump’s broad tariffs. Justices ruled these exceeded authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump had declared trade deficits an emergency threatening national security. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, warning such power would let presidents impose unbounded tariffs without checks. The majority included Roberts, Sotomayor, Kagan, Jackson, and surprisingly, Trump appointees Gorsuch and Barrett.

Trump’s Fiery Attacks on His Own Justices

Trump responded same-day with personal assaults on the justices, especially Gorsuch and Barrett. He accused them of hating the country and serving foreign powers. Pressed for proof, Trump teased, “you’re going to find out.” He castigated Barrett and Gorsuch for betraying him despite his nominations. Yet he said they would attend his State of the Union—barely invited. This outburst stunned observers, highlighting Trump’s intolerance for judicial independence from his appointees.

Unusual Judicial Coalition Forms

Gorsuch penned a 46-page concurrence defending the major questions doctrine against executive overreach. He rejected foreign affairs exceptions, insisting Congress must clearly delegate vast powers. Barrett concurred briefly, framing the doctrine as common-sense statutory reading. Dissenters Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh, led by Kavanaugh’s opinion, argued IEEPA’s text and history grant presidents sweeping tariff authority in emergencies. This split exposed conservative fractures: loyalty to text over president.

Roberts stressed Trump’s view transformed IEEPA into unchecked tariff power, defying constitutional limits. The ruling applied major questions doctrine to trade, demanding explicit congressional intent for huge economic moves. Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson joined, creating a cross-ideological block against unilateral action.

JUST IN: Trump Nukes Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett Following Tariff Ruling
Jordan Conradson Feb. 20, 2026https://t.co/aPO2vwYbt9

— Eduardo Barranco (@Eduardo19832958) February 21, 2026

Economic and Political Fallout Emerges

Trump announced a new 10% global tariff and vowed to keep others via fresh statutory authority. He brushed off congressional approval: “I don’t need to, it’s already been approved.” Businesses now scramble amid uncertainty over enforceable tariffs. Republican tariff skeptics, who earlier blocked Canada tariffs with Democrats, gain leverage. Trump’s reframing claims the ruling empowers presidents—facts contradict this spin.

Conservative Values Meet Judicial Reality

Trump’s attacks erode norms of judicial independence, core to American conservatism’s respect for separated powers. Facts show Gorsuch and Barrett ruled on constitutional grounds, aligning with originalism and limited government—hallmarks of common sense restraint. Personal barbs weaken court legitimacy without evidence. True conservatives prize rule of law over loyalty oaths; this episode tests that principle amid intra-party rifts. Long-term, it pressures justices but reinforces checks against executive excess.