Indian American attorney Neal Katyal welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), calling it a significant affirmation of constitutional principles.

On February 20, 2026, the Court ruled in Learning Resources v. Trump and the companion case V.O.S. Selections v. Trump that President Trump lacked the authority under the 1970s-era IEEPA to impose the broad “Liberation Day” tariffs. Katyal argued on behalf of the challengers in the case, while Solicitor General D. John Sauer represented the administration, assisted by two members of his office.

Reacting to the ruling, Katyal in a statement noted, “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law and Americans everywhere. Its message was simple: Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people.”

Katyal underscored the breadth of the Court’s decision. “The US Supreme Court gave us everything we asked for in our legal case. Everything,” he said. “I’m grateful for the leadership of the Liberty Justice Center, and in particular for the brilliant advocacy by its chair, Sara Albrecht, who led the fight when others wouldn’t and was dauntless in its defense of our constitutional order.”

He also expressed appreciation for the small business owners who served as plaintiffs in the case, describing their role as central to the outcome. Katyal said he was grateful to the five small business owners who stood up against these “unjust, unconstitutional” taxes, noting that their efforts provided relief to tens of thousands of businesses and millions of consumers nationwide.

Katyal further acknowledged his legal team’s work on the case. “I lack the words to properly thank my brilliant Milbank team, especially Colleen Roh Sinzdak and Sami Ilagan, who worked with me day and night for many months to craft the winning argument,” he said.

Emphasizing the broader constitutional implications, Katyal stated that the litigation “has always been about the presidency, not any one president.” It has always been about “separation of powers, and not the politics of the moment.”

“I’m gratified to see our Supreme Court, which has been the bedrock of our government for 250 years, protect our most fundamental values,” he added. 

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