After a Big Loss, What to Expect From Trump at the State of the Union

The Supreme Court’s tariffs ruling could make for a tense night.

By Binyamin AppelbaumEmily Bazelon and Stephen Stromberg

The Supreme Court’s decision striking down the Trump administration’s tariffs left the president fuming and with fewer weapons in his trade war arsenal. The Opinion writers Binyamin Appelbaum and Emily Bazelon and editor Steve Stromberg discuss how the court’s ruling constrains the president, what he has done in response, and where trade policy should go from here as automation and A.I. continue to threaten American workers.

After a Big Loss, What to Expect From Trump at the State of the Union

Below is a transcript of an episode of “The Opinions.” We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. You can do so using the player above or on the NYTimes app, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

The transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Stephen Stromberg: I am Steve Stromberg, an editor in New York Times Opinion. With me today are two Opinion writers, Binyamin Appelbaum and Emily Bazelon. Thanks for being here.

Emily Bazelon: Sure thing.

Binyamin Appelbaum: Glad to be here.

Stromberg: We’re here to talk about the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down many of President Trump’s tariffs, and what it means for the Trump administration and the American economy going forward. This is all coming to a head as the president prepares for Tuesday’s State of the Union address — with Justice John Roberts likely in the audience. And I should note, we’re recording this on Monday morning.

I want to begin with a top-line reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision from each of you. Emily, as a writer who teaches at Yale Law School and regularly covers the court, you’re one of the most qualified people on the planet to be commenting on this right now. Why don’t you start: What’s your top line?

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Binyamin Appelbaum is the lead writer on economics and business for The Times editorial board. He is based in Washington. @BCAppelbaum • Facebook

Emily Bazelon is a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. @emilybazelon • Facebook

Stephen Stromberg is a Times opinion editor, focused on politics and economics. He has covered U.S. politics and policy since 2001. He joined The Times in 2025 from The Washington Post, where he was deputy editor of the opinion section.

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