Trump Declares Tariff Authority: 'As President, I Don't Need Congressional Approval' | Coin Newsweek Coin Newsweek – February 23, 2026 – President Donald Trump has issued a forceful assertion of executive authority over trade policy, declaring on social media that he does not require congressional approval to implement tariffs—a statement that carries significant implications for global trade relations and domestic political dynamics. In a post on his social media platform, Trump addressed the constitutional and procedural questions surrounding tariff authority directly. "As president, I no longer need to return to Congress for tariff approval," he wrote. "These tariffs have already been approved in various forms, and this has been the case for a long time." The president's statement appears designed to preempt any legislative pushback against his trade agenda, which has included sweeping tariffs on imports from multiple countries. By claiming inherent executive authority over tariff policy, Trump positions himself to act unilaterally without navigating the often cumbersome process of securing congressional votes. Trump further bolstered his argument by invoking the judicial branch. "Moreover, even that absurd and flawed Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed this," he added, referring to a recent decision that touched on the scope of presidential tariff authority. The Supreme Court ruling in question, issued earlier this month, addressed challenges to Trump's tariff policies but stopped short of fully endorsing or rejecting the administration's expansive view of executive power. Legal scholars remain divided on the extent to which presidents can unilaterally impose tariffs without legislative approval, with some arguing that the Constitution grants Congress primary authority over revenue measures, while others point to historical precedents of executive action in trade matters. Trump's characterization of the ruling as "absurd and flawed" suggests potential friction between the executive and judicial branches, though the practical implications remain unclear. The president has frequently criticized court decisions that limit his authority, and this latest statement continues that pattern. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions with several major trading partners. Trump's tariff policies have reshaped global supply chains, prompted retaliatory measures from affected countries, and become a central pillar of his economic platform. By asserting that he need not seek congressional approval, Trump signals that further tariff actions could be forthcoming without the delays and compromises that legislative negotiations would entail. Congressional reaction to Trump's statement has been muted but watchful. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed support for the president's trade agenda while avoiding direct commentary on the constitutional questions raised. Democratic leaders, meanwhile, have criticized what they view as executive overreach but face limited procedural options to challenge tariff decisions directly. Trade experts note that the practical effect of Trump's assertion may depend on whether specific tariff actions are challenged in court. Legal challenges could force the judiciary to clarify the boundaries of executive authority in trade policy, potentially setting precedents that would constrain future presidents regardless of party. For now, Trump's declaration serves both a domestic political purpose—rallying supporters who favor strong executive action—and an international signaling function, letting trading partners know that tariff decisions rest with the president alone. As global markets digest this latest development, the fundamental question remains: in the complex architecture of American governance, where does tariff authority truly reside? The answer, it seems, may ultimately be determined not by presidential decree alone, but by the ongoing interplay between executive action, legislative response, and judicial review that has characterized American constitutional democracy for more than two centuries. Source: Jinshi / Trump social media statement