Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on President Trump’s Unlawful Tariffs

February 20, 2026 Press Release (Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that President Trump’s global tariffs were unlawful. “Today’s decision reaffirms a fundamental principle of our Constitution, which is that no president has the authority to unilaterally rewrite trade policy or bypass Congress. The power to levy tariffs rests with the legislative branch, and that separation of powers exists to protect the American people from economic instability and executive overreach. “For too long, reckless tariff decisions have raised costs for consumers, strained small businesses, and injected uncertainty into our economy. Working families and manufacturers deserve trade policies that are strategic, stable, and grounded in the law – not impulsive actions that create chaos. “This ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for Congress’s constitutional role, and for the American people.” ### Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.