Paris, February 21, 2026 – French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday praised the US Supreme Court's decision to invalidate sweeping global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, describing the ruling as a demonstration of the vital role of judicial oversight and counterweights to executive power in democratic systems.
Speaking to journalists during the opening day of the annual Salon de l'Agriculture (International Agricultural Fair) at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Macron responded to a question about the Supreme Court's Friday, February 20, 2026, ruling. In a 6-3 decision, the Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—a 1977 law granting the president authority to regulate commerce during declared national emergencies—does not empower the executive to unilaterally impose tariffs, a power reserved for Congress under the US Constitution.
"It is not bad to have a Supreme Court and, therefore, the rule of law," Macron stated. "It is good to have power and counterweights to power in democracies." He highlighted the ruling as evidence that democratic institutions function effectively when equipped with mechanisms to prevent overreach, ensuring decisions align with constitutional principles.
The Supreme Court's opinion, authored by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, emphasized that IEEPA's provisions for regulating "importation" do not extend to levying duties or taxes. Dissenting justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito expressed concerns over potential economic disruptions, including uncertainty around refunds for tariffs already collected, estimated at over $130 billion (with some projections reaching $175 billion or more).
President Trump reacted sharply to the decision during a White House news conference on Friday, calling it "deeply disappointing" and expressing shame toward certain justices for lacking "the courage to do what’s right for our country." He described the ruling as "terrible" but noted that "there are methods, practices, statutes, and authorities" available, as acknowledged by the Court and Congress. Hours later, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a temporary 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which addresses balance-of-payments issues and allows short-term duties for up to 150 days without invoking emergency powers. Some reports indicated Trump later adjusted this to 15% in certain contexts, though the core measure remains a broad levy.
Macron addressed France's approach to the new US tariff measures, stressing a measured and pragmatic response. "We will look precisely at the consequences, at what can be done, and we will adapt," he said. He underscored France's determination to protect and sustain exports of key sectors, including agricultural products (such as wine, cheese, and grains showcased at the Salon), luxury goods, fashion, and aeronautical equipment—industries that form pillars of the French economy and face potential impacts from higher US import costs.
The French president advocated for "a calm mindset" and rejected unilateral impositions, asserting that "the fairest rule is reciprocity" in international trade relations. Rather than immediate escalation, Macron called for careful evaluation and adaptation to safeguard French interests while maintaining dialogue. This stance aligns with broader European Union considerations, where officials, including French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier, have indicated that Brussels possesses "appropriate instruments"—such as the Anti-Coercion Instrument—to respond if necessary, potentially including retaliatory tariffs, export controls, or restrictions on US firms in EU procurement.
The Salon de l'Agriculture, a major annual event drawing farmers, producers, and policymakers, provided a fitting backdrop for Macron's comments. The fair highlights France's agricultural heritage and economic priorities, sectors particularly sensitive to global trade dynamics. Macron's remarks came amid ongoing transatlantic tensions over trade policy, exacerbated by Trump's protectionist agenda since his return to office in January 2025. Earlier tariffs, including elevated duties on Chinese goods and measures tied to fentanyl flows or trade imbalances, had prompted warnings from WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala about disruptions unseen in 80 years.
European leaders and businesses have reacted with a mix of cautious optimism and uncertainty to the Supreme Court's decision. While the invalidation of IEEPA-based tariffs offers relief from broad duties, the swift introduction of alternative measures under different statutes has tempered enthusiasm. Analysts note that the ruling reinforces congressional authority over taxation and trade but leaves room for executive creativity in pursuing protectionism.
Macron's endorsement of US institutional checks contrasts with criticisms from some quarters of executive overreach, positioning France as a proponent of multilateralism and rule-based trade. As the EU coordinates its response—potentially through consultations with the European Commission—France's focus remains on reciprocity, adaptation, and defending export-driven growth.
The episode underscores persistent challenges in US-EU trade relations, with implications for global supply chains, inflation, and economic stability. With refunds for past tariffs potentially in the tens or hundreds of billions still unresolved in lower courts, and new levies taking effect, stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic continue to monitor developments closely.
