Supreme Court Shuts Down Trump’s Tariffs, Bitcoin Rises – What Now?

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Key Highlights (aka Why Everyone’s Pissed)

  • The Supreme Court just told Trump, “You don’t have the power, pal.”
  • Bitcoin jumped above $67,000 after the ruling. Because nothing says “trust the system” like a 25% tax on imported widgets.
  • The court didn’t say if the government has to return the loot, so now we’re all just waiting for the next plot twist.

Bitcoin (BTC) saw a spike today during early trading hours after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, stating that the president did not have authority to impose them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Because, obviously, the only thing worse than a president’s overreach is a president’s overreach that also happens to be a bad idea.

The ruling came on February 20, 2026, with a 6-3 vote to overturn the tariffs. Trump had first put these tariffs in place in April last year, a day he called “liberation day.” Because nothing says “freedom” like slapping a 25% tax on every imported widget. Shortly after the decision, Bitcoin surged above $67,000, reaching as high as $67,600. Because when the government messes up, the market just… takes the money and runs.

Supreme Court rules on tariffs

The Supreme Court ruled that the law does not give a president the right to impose tariffs during peacetime. The decision could affect trade, government money from tariffs, and how investors feel about the market. Which is to say, it’s a disaster for everyone except the lawyers.

However, the court did not say if the U.S. must give back the money collected from the tariffs, which leaves uncertainty over the potential repayment of up to $150 billion. Many crypto traders are already betting that refunds might happen, with a 29% chance on the Polymarket prediction market. Because nothing says “financial confidence” like placing a bet on a 29% chance of getting your money back.

Trump called the ruling a “disgrace” but stated he has a backup plan. The administration has at least five ways it could try to bring the tariffs back, but these options are stricter and do not allow a full return of the original tariffs. Because nothing says “presidential resilience” like trying to re-impose a policy that was just struck down by the highest court in the land.

Bitcoin’s market reaction

Investors responded quickly to the headline as they put funds into Bitcoin. Currently, BTC is trading for $67,149, up a modest 0.95% from an intraday low of $66K. Because when the government loses a case, the market always reacts with a 0.95% increase. What a surprise.

Bitcoin’s fall to $66K happened after the U.S. released December inflation numbers. The Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) data showed 2.9% growth compared to last year. This is slightly higher than expected. Because nothing says “economic stability” like a 2.9% increase in prices.

VanEck Chief Matthew Sigel said in a post on X that the ruling could provide bullish momentum for Bitcoin and even the entire market, because without tariff money, printing of dollars could happen. Investors may turn to Bitcoin or gold as a safe way to protect their money from inflation. Which is just another way of saying, “If the government can’t be trusted, at least we can trust digital gold.”

Bitcoin rallies as Trump tariffs struck down by US Supreme Court

In the absence of tariff revenues, money printing and debasement will accelerate.

– matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) February 20, 2026

What this means for the market

Trump’s tariffs were designed to add extra charges on imports to balance trade and support U.S. businesses. While the Supreme Court’s decision overturns these tariffs, the uncertainty around refunds, combined with potential future actions, keeps markets alert. Because nothing says “market stability” like a 150-billion-dollar question mark.

Right now, investors are both confident and cautious as they await what happens next. Some see opportunities in Bitcoin and other assets as a way to protect their money, while others worry about trade changes and government decisions. Meanwhile, this ruling shows limits on presidential power and could affect future trade policies. Which is just another way of saying, “The president isn’t as powerful as he thinks-unless he’s on a reality show.”

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2026-02-20 22:06