The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when he used the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs on most of the world. In a long-anticipated decision, the court ruled 6-3 that Trump’s justification for the tariffs under the Emergency Powers Act went “beyond the President’s legitimate reach.” Chief Justice John Roberts was joined in the majority opinion by the three liberal justices, along with Trump-appointed Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The court rebuked Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, or IEEPA, stating that the act passed by Congress in 1977 makes no mention of “tariffs” or “duties” in the “lengthy list of powers” given to the president. “That omission is notable in light of the significant but specific powers Congress did go to the trouble of naming. It stands to reason that had Congress intended to convey the distinct and extraordinary power to impose tariffs, it would have done so expressly—as it consistently has in other tariff statutes,” the Supreme Court stated. “We hold that IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose tariffs,” the majority added in the opinion written by Roberts. Not all of Trump’s tariffs were struck down in the decision, as the president did not invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose certain tariffs on aluminum and steel. Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs on most of the world, including massive duties on China, are affected by the high court’s decision. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico over their failure to prevent fentanyl trafficking are also affected. While the ruling is a loss for Trump, the White House believes there are other avenues for Trump to keep his tariffs in place. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in December that the president has three other avenues to impose the wide-ranging tariffs, pointing to provisions in the 1962 Trade Act that the administration could use to “recreate the exact tariff structure.” Still, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was the most effective way to impose global tariffs, according to Bessent. “There are lots of other authorities that can be used, but IEEPA is by far the cleanest, and it gives the US and the president the most negotiating authority,” he said. “The others are more cumbersome, but they can be effective.” Leading up to the decision, Trump warned of significant damage to the United States if the Supreme Court ruled against him. In a Truth Social post earlier this week, the president wrote, “Because of Tariffs, our Country is financially, AND FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY STANDPOINT, FAR STRONGER AND MORE RESPECTED THAN EVER BEFORE.” The president has used the tariffs as leverage to urge companies to invest in U.S. manufacturing and to pressure foreign governments to negotiate with the United States on foreign policy and peace proposals. A key question at the center of Friday’s decision was whether Trump’s tariffs should be considered a tax, pitting Trump’s foreign policy and economic agenda against Congress’ authority over taxation. Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” were challenged by multiple companies, including Costco, which filed lawsuits in federal courts, arguing that the tariffs would force them to significantly raise prices to continue importing the goods they offer their customers. The case made its way to the Supreme Court after the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in August that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs violated the Constitution. Trump was the first president to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs. Since its enactment in 1977 The law has been used by presidents to sanction foreign adversaries and terrorist regimes. Trump’s Solicitor General, John Sauer, argued before the court in November that national emergencies related to the fentanyl crisis and America’s declining industrial base justify Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs. “President Trump has declared that these emergencies are country killing and not sustainable, that they threaten the bedrock of our national and economic security, and that fixing them will make America a strong, financially viable, and respected country again,” he said in his opening argument. “Due to IEEPA tariffs, President Trump has negotiated agreements worth trillions of dollars with major trading partners, including most recently China.”

This article is part of Upstream, The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you. *** Romance movies are getting weird. Cheekily marketed with quotation marks around the title, the new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” promised to be a swoon-worthy and sexually explicit retelling of Emily Brontë’s gothic romance. What it delivered was something rather different: a film remarkable in its ability to pair so much sexual content with so little chemistry, turning a twisted romantic tale not just into a piece of sentimental smut but also a surrealistic fever dream that revels in its own ickiness. In the book, anti-heroes Cathy and Heathcliff grow up together on the English moors and fall in love, though Cathy chooses to marry for money as Heathcliff was adopted and is of low social status. Cathy is petulant and spoiled; Heathcliff is tempestuous and cruel. The two try to rekindle their relationship years after Cathy’s marriage only for her to die shortly after giving birth to her daughter. The second half of the novel follows that new generation, which finds some redemption in the end. There is no happy ending for the star-crossed lovers. Director Emerald Fennell has a great talent for taking compelling stories and so completely bastardizing them that even comparing them with to their predecessors is to insult them. Before Fennell wrote and directed “Wuthering Heights,” she created “Saltburn,” a film critics compared to “The Talented Mr. Ripley” for its exploration of class dynamics and romantic obsession. But instead of incisive commentary, “Saltburn” settles for shock value. As an example, one viral scene involves the main character attempting to have sex with a grave. Unfortunately for classic literature fans, Fennell has turned her creative sights on “Wuthering Heights,” which released this Valentine’s Day weekend to much media hype. Starring heartthrobs Margot Robbie as leading lady Cathy and Jacob Elordi as love interest Heathcliff, the film was marketed as a sexed-up, not-very-faithful adaptation of “the greatest love story of all time.” But the movie was not quite the steamy romance it had promised to be. The film’s opening moments set the tone: A dark screen lets the audience guess at what they are about to see as they listen to grunting and heavy breathing. Viewers are then surprised to find the sounds come from a person dangling from a rope. The public hanging of the man, who has a visible erection, delights a boisterous and horny crowd of onlookers. “This is a deeply felt romance. But I also wanted people to understand that it would be surprising and darkly funny and perhaps stranger than they would expect,” Fennell said of her rationale for the unsettling scene. “It was important to acknowledge early on that arousal and danger are kind of the same thing — that is what the Gothic is.” She’s certainly entitled to her opinion. This scene and the rest of the film, however, indicate that Fennell doesn’t actually understand much of what the Gothic is. After all, she cuts the supernatural elements of the book — namely, Cathy’s ghost. Instead, she fills the void with an impressively eerie set: plaster hands that hold candles, cavernous hallways, and bedroom walls made to look like human skin. Fennell thus substitutes style for substance, letting the uncanny setting and the admittedly gorgeous costuming elicit emotions the script can’t muster. Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” isn’t a cautionary tale. But it isn’t a love story, either. It’s a dark and self-indulgent narrative that bodes poorly for future romantic dramas if this is what Hollywood considers entertainment. Other icky moments involve characters running their fingers through various viscous substances such as egg yolks (one outlet took it upon itself to rank “The Sexiest Goos of Wuthering Heights”). In another disturbing scene, Heathcliff has his wife, Isabella, chained to the hearth with a dog collar on her neck as she barks. This, we’re told, is entirely consensual — as if that makes it any better. Somehow, the film still resonated. After it came out in theaters, viral videos showed women (three-quarters of ticket buyers) leaving showings with tears in their eyes. Fennell argued that the physical response to “Wuthering Heights” is “you cry and you recoil and you’re aroused.” Fennell isn’t the only one who seems to enjoy disgusting her audience. Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Things” came out in 2023 to much acclaim from mainstream critics despite its revolting plot: A mad scientist puts the brain of a baby in the body of a woman, who decides to go on an adventure, see the world, and become a prostitute. The Guardian claimed the movie was fueling “speculation of sex scenes’ return to cinema.” But, like “Wuthering Heights,” it wasn’t ushering in the return of romance — just sex. Strong box office numbers for “Wuthering Heights” suggest that moviegoers are interested in more romantic films, something Hollywood seems incapable of producing these days. But what fans of the genre don’t need are adaptations of classic novels that have little to do with their source material and that rely on ickiness just to get people talking. Give us real Gothic romance, or at least give us something normal people can enjoy. Have an idea for Upstream? We welcome submissions; interested writers can send pitches to upstream@dailywire.com.

A high school principal in Spring Township, Pennsylvania, is drawing national attention after a viral video showed him confronting dozens of students who walked out of class to protest federal immigration policies. In a tense exchange on Thursday captured on camera, Daniel Weber of Wilson High School told the group that while they have the right to their opinions, those rights do not grant them the authority to bypass school safety protocols or skip class. The incident began when roughly 60 students left the building without authorization to stage a demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The walkout followed a series of discussions between students and the Wilson School District about a possible sanctioned protest. Although administrators had considered approving the event, the district eventually canceled it after being told the student-led demonstration was no longer planned. When students decided to proceed with the walkout anyway, Weber met them outside, where several were seen carrying Mexican flags. “If you go back to class, then we’re good. If you stay out here, we will get your names, and you will be suspended. Okay?” Weber stated. “That is your option at this point, because you are operating outside the bounds of what was granted. That event was canceled. You left school without permission. Your rights do not supersede the school. So if you understand that, that is your option. If you wish to return, Dr. Damiani will let you in that door over there. If not, I will be getting your names; you will be suspended. Okay? Those are your options. All right? Your rights do not exceed that of the school.” BREAKING – A Pennsylvania principal, Daniel Weber of Wilson High School, is receiving widespread recognition after shutting down an anti-ICE walkout at his school by threatening suspension for all students involved. pic.twitter.com/6d6IclC1iW — Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) February 19, 2026 In a statement, a spokesperson for the Wilson School District clarified that the discipline was not a reaction to the students’ political viewpoints, but rather a matter of safety and procedure, stating: The walkout occurred after the District was informed that a student-led demonstration was not planned, which limited our ability to plan for student supervision and safety. When students left their classrooms and the school building without authorization, staff accompanied them simply to ensure student safety and order. Students were not, and are not, disciplined for expressing their viewpoints. Any consequences associated with this situation are based solely on violations of established school procedures, including leaving class or the building without permission and failing to follow staff directions. The incident at Wilson High School comes amid a broader wave of student-led anti-ICE protests across the country, including recent mass walkouts in the Chicago suburbs. “Students from Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools left their schools around 12:45 p.m. and converged near the downtown train station, chanting ‘ICE out and carrying signs calling for change. Hundreds of students from schools in northwest suburban Carpentersville also walked out of class to protest ICE operations,” NBC Chicago reported.

'You're failing'

For our farmers and ranchers, land is absolutely essential.

'Restore fairness? Sure, I vote yes'

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE ... TRUMP CLEARS RELEASE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S ALIEN FILES ... DONALD TRUMP: Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

'He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always'

The American education system currently deserves an “F” for its failures to teach even the basics on the American government and how it functions.   This was demonstrated in embarrassing fashion this month when an anti-ICE sheriff in North Carolina testified before the state legislature proved he didn’t know which branch of government he worked under, nor even the names of the three branches.  The sheriff is far from alone.   A national survey found that 58% of American adults fail a basic civics test that includes questions about how the government works. Another study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reported that more than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz on topics like what the three branches of government are and other foundational concepts.   The Department of Education aims to reverse this reality by launching a new nationwide civics competition called “The Presidential 1776 Award for Civics.”  As part of the “America 250” celebration, the competition is designed to deepen understanding of the nation’s founding principles, U.S. Constitution, and key moments in American history. This scholarship contest challenges high school students on their knowledge of civics and the ideas that shaped the United States.  The Presidential 1776 Award was announced in a news release by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.  “As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” McMahon said, “this competition is an opportunity for young people to push themselves, learn our history, and take pride in the principles that unite us. I am grateful to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation and all of the educators, partners, and families who are helping to make this effort possible. Game on!”    Award Details   Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award competition has just opened and will continue through Feb. 21. Students who wish to participate should sign up online at the official registration portal before the deadline to be eligible to compete in the first round of testing.  The competition is open to all high school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. Participation is free, and students can compete regardless of their school or background, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. The Presidential 1776 Award unfolds in three main rounds:  Online Exam: Held February 22–28, this electronically proctored, timed multiple-choice test covers civics and foundational U.S. history.  Regional Semifinals: In May, state finalists compete in in-person short-answer and verbal rounds.  National Finals: At the end of June—just before America 250’s July 4 celebration— the top regional competitors face off in the final round in the District of Columbia. The three rounds of multiple-choice and verbal examinations were developed independently by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, a federal entity established by Congress in 1986 to improve civics education and strengthen understanding of the U.S. Constitution.  Executive Secretary and CEO of the Foundation, Julie E. Adams, commented on the scholarship. “Our James Madison Fellows are among the best teacher-scholars on the U.S. Constitution and the American Founding, and they will write challenging but fair questions for the intrepid students who take part in the award. The knowledge of American civics and history is vital to the survival of the Republic.”  The competition offers significant scholarship prizes for top-performing students:  1st Place: $150,000  2nd Place: $75,000  3rd Place: $25,000  In total, $250,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the three national winners, providing substantial support for college or future educational pursuits.  The Presidential 1776 Award is part of the nation’s “America 250” celebration—a year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Department of Education and its partners to engage young people more deeply in civic learning and to celebrate the principles that have shaped the United States. This competition has a crucial mission and offers the necessary incentive to introduce the American Constitution to students.   The post Civics Crisis? New Presidential 1776 Scholarship Challenges Students to Know the Constitution   appeared first on The Daily Signal.