PBS News Hour full episode, Feb. 20, 2026

The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision invalidated most of President Trump's global tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Chief Justice's opinion emphasized the need for clear congressional authorization for such sweeping presidential power. President Trump immediately responded by announcing a new 10% global tariff, vowing to use other federal statutes like Section 232 or Section 122 of the Trade Act to keep tariffs in place, creating a 'tariff legal uncertainty doom loop'.

AMNA NAWAZ: 'The Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's global tariffs today in a 6-3 decision... The court ruled that President Trump did not have the authority under a 1977 economic emergency law to issue such sweeping tariffs.' (02:27) DONALD TRUMP: 'I will move forward regardless, vowing to impose a global 10 percent across-the-board tariff under a different law.' (02:53) NATASHA SARIN: 'He plans to use other authorities like Section 232 or Section 122 of the Trade Act, in order to be able to essentially keep in place tariffs that were at levels that were dismissed by the Supreme Court earlier this morning.' (09:07)

The tariffs, even after the Supreme Court's partial invalidation and subsequent re-imposition, continue to be a significant economic burden. Natasha Sarin, President of the Budget Lab at Yale, states that tariffs are at their highest level in a century and are 'the most inflationary policies in our lifetimes.' She estimates they cost the average American household around $2,000 per year in higher prices. The $140 billion in tariff revenue already collected remains in legal ambiguity, with no Supreme Court guidance on refunds, and any refunds would likely go to importing firms, not directly to consumers.

NATASHA SARIN: 'About $140 billion of revenue have already come into the fisc as a result of these tariffs... that cost the average American household around $2,000 a year in higher prices.' (10:09) 'Tariffs are a tax on the American consumer, to the tune of several thousand dollars of increased prices every year.' (12:56)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scaled back limits on toxic emissions from coal-burning power plants, allowing increased emissions of hazardous pollutants like mercury and toxic soot. The administration claims this action ensures 'affordable, dependable energy' and restores 'American energy dominance.' However, John Walke of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states the EPA's own documents admit the repeal will have no impact on electricity prices or coal plant retirements. He warns that increased mercury emissions are a 'brain poison' harming developing fetuses and children, causing learning deficiencies and IQ loss, while toxic soot contributes to cancer and birth defects.

STEPHANIE SY: 'The EPA loosens restrictions on coal-burning power plants, allowing emissions of hazardous pollutants, including mercury.' (00:24) JOHN WALKE: 'They claim affordability, but in the fine print of their own document, they admit that this repeal will have no impact on electricity prices.' (30:37) 'What's at stake is more mercury emissions that are a brain poison. And they poison and harm the developing brains of the fetus, of young children, babies, children all the way up to 12 or later, actually.' (32:41)

President Trump suggested he is considering a 'limited strike' on Iran to compel them into a diplomatic deal, confirming a Wall Street Journal report. This comes amid one of the largest U.S. military deployments to the Middle East in decades, including two carrier strike groups and numerous missile-capable ships and fighter jets. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that any military action would 'only complicate this, would only bring about disastrous consequences' and that Iran would 'reciprocate with the same language' if faced with force. A regional official indicated Iran would walk away from negotiations if a strike occurred.

GEOFF BENNETT: 'The U.S. considers a limited strike on Iran, but many fear that too could lead to an all-out war.' (00:18) DONALD TRUMP: 'I guess I can say I am considering that. They better negotiate a fair deal.' (19:01) ABBAS ARAGHCHI: 'Military option would only complicate this, would only bring about disastrous consequences, not only for us, perhaps for the whole region.' (20:46)