Arizona leaders weigh in after Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Trump’s tariffs

PHOENIX — Arizona leaders are responding after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Friday.

Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, said the ruling marks “a great day for Arizona families.”

“The court has spoken clearly: President Trump’s tariffs were illegal. The statutes used by the president did not authorize him to impose these tariffs,” Mayes said in a statement.

“All year, Americans have watched prices climb and wondered if anyone in power was going to do anything about it. We did something about it,” she added. “This case was about more than just tariffs or economic policy. It was about the rule of law and American democracy.”

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, echoed Mayes’ stance that this is a victory for Arizonans.

“At a time when Arizonans are already facing high costs, and with tariffs proven to be a major contributing factor, I feel relieved,” Hobbs said in a statement. “While the damage of these tariffs cannot be corrected overnight, I will continue to do everything I can to increase affordability and connect Arizonans to good-paying jobs and grow our economy, as I have for the past three years.”

Details about Supreme Court tariff ruling

The Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency‑powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs Trump levied on nearly every other country last year. The majority said it is unconstitutional for a president to set and change tariffs, ruling that Congress has power over taxation.

The Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t prevent Trump from imposing tariffs under other laws. However, the other methods Trump can use have more limits on the speed at which they can be imposed — and the scope of the potential tariffs.

Republican U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and a candidate for governor in Arizona, issued a policy statement in response to the tariff news.

He put forth support for a destination-based cash flow tax that would focus on where products are bought and used instead of where they are made.

“This model encourages domestic investment, discourages offshoring and provides the predictability businesses need to plan for the future,” he said in a statement. “It also supports the predictability of tax receipts as federal spending continues to rise, reinforcing the fiscal stability our economy depends on, and I will be holding a hearing on this important topic in the coming weeks.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat, congratulated the decision, adding that Trump’s tariffs were an illegal tax on the American people.

“The Supreme Court affirmed that today,” Stanton said on social media. “This decision upholds a fundamental principle of our Constitution: Congress, not the president, has the power to levy taxes on the American people.”

Trump’s tariffs were always an illegal tax on the American people. The Supreme Court affirmed that today.

This decision upholds a fundamental principle of our Constitution: Congress, not the president, has the power to levy taxes on the American people.

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) February 20, 2026

“Trump is not a king. And he was reminded of that today,” Democratic U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva said on social media.

Trump’s tariffs are a tax on the American people and families are paying the price. Period.

Even with the Supreme Court stepping in, the damage to small businesses, border communities, farmers, and working families is real.

Trump is not a king. And he was reminded of that…

— Rep. Adelita Grijalva (@Rep_Grijalva) February 20, 2026

Arizona U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, who are both Democrats, also expressed relief at the court’s decision.

“This is a huge win for American families and small businesses who’ve had to deal with rising costs because of Donald Trump’s illegal tariffs,” Kelly said on social media.

This is a huge win for American families and small businesses who’ve had to deal with rising costs because of Donald Trump’s illegal tariffs. https://t.co/p6dAzGEAE0

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) February 20, 2026

Meanwhile, Gallego said this is a good start, but there’s a lot of work that still must be done.

“We must ensure this administration doesn’t try to find another avenue for its reckless and illegal tariffs. We must ensure corporations actually lower prices and small businesses are refunded,” Gallego said. “And we in Congress must reassert and protect our authority over tariffs.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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