Last month, the Supreme Court reviewed President Trump's contentious tariff policies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were challenged for possibly overstepping legal boundaries. Despite the Court's doubts concerning the emergency nature of these tariffs, Trump continues to enforce them, raising questions about the administration's compliance and strategic objectives.

During December 2025, amidst severe economic decline and social unrest in Iran, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran, citing the regime's crackdown on protesters. This move targets Iran's major trade partners such as China, India, and Russia, aiming to isolate the Iranian economy further. Critics argue that these tariffs might exacerbate the economic conditions in Iran, inadvertently strengthening the regime by providing it with a foreign adversary to blame for internal strife.

In another controversial move, Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne following President Macron's refusal to join Trump's "Board of Peace," a proposed alternative to the United Nations. This tariff, seemingly a response to a personal slight, highlights the use of trade barriers as a tool for political leverage rather than addressing genuine emergencies.

Moreover, Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on NATO countries over disputes related to Greenland. He claims national security concerns due to potential Russian and Chinese interests in the region, despite no evident actions from these nations to suggest such threats. These tariffs could incite a trade war with European allies, straining international relations further.

As the Supreme Court deliberates on the legality of Trump's use of IEEPA for imposing tariffs, these recent actions underline a broader use of trade measures as instruments of foreign policy and personal vendettas. The outcomes of these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for international economic stability and diplomatic relations, especially if they are deemed unlawful.

The world watches closely as the Supreme Court's decision could redefine the scope of presidential powers under the IEEPA, potentially curbing unilateral decisions that could lead to significant global economic disruptions. As February approaches, all eyes remain on the justices, whose ruling could halt or endorse Trump's tariff crusade.