'The damage cannot be refunded': Small businesses weigh Supreme Court's tariff ruling

February 20, 2026

Title: 'The Damage Cannot Be Refunded': Small Businesses Grapple with Supreme Court's Tariff Ruling

In recent news, the Supreme Court has struck down many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, providing relief to small businesses struggling under the weight of higher prices. However, uncertainty still looms as the administration continues to push forward with other types of tariffs and companies figure out if they will receive refunds for those already imposed.

The decision by the Supreme Court comes after President Trump used national emergency powers to collect over $130 billion in tariff revenue - essentially a tax shouldered by American businesses and consumers. The unveiling of these tariffs last April during what he called “Liberation Day” sent shockwaves across the economy, straining relationships with long-standing U.S. trade partners as some countries saw their tariff rates more than double.

For many small business owners, it will be challenging to reverse the effects of these levies. Rick Muskat, president of New York-based shoe company Deer Stags Concepts, stated that the burden on his business has been substantial - leading to layoffs and halting all growth plans. Similarly, Andrea Englisis, president of New York-based distribution service Athenee Importers & Distributors, mentioned she paid tariffs with money that would have gone towards salaries.

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, there is still a possibility that these tariffs could be reimposed under different trade laws. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have already suggested this option exists. On Friday, Trump announced plans to implement a 10% global tariff under another authority.

The implications of this decision are significant for small businesses across the United States. Many companies may struggle to recover from the financial burden imposed by these tariffs, leading to potential closures and job losses. It remains to be seen how the administration will proceed with its trade policies moving forward; however, it is clear that small business owners must navigate through this uncertain landscape carefully.

In conclusion, while the Supreme Court's ruling provides some relief for struggling small businesses, there are still many uncertainties ahead. The potential reimposition of tariffs and lack of refunds mean that these companies will continue to face challenges in the coming months. As a blogger, I urge readers to stay informed about this issue and support local businesses whenever possible.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/supreme-court-trump-tariff-decision-small-business-rcna259916) #'the

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