After Supreme Court rebuke, Democrats call for government to refund billions in Trump tariff money

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By JOSH BOAKFebruary 23, 2026 at 04:53 PM

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Following a Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's tariffs were illegally collected, Senate Democrats Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, and Jeanne Shaheen are proposing legislation to refund approximately $175 billion in tariff revenues. The bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds within 180 days, prioritizing small businesses and including interest payments. Democrats argue that Trump's tariffs damaged American families and businesses, and the refunds are a necessary first step to rectify the situation. While the bill's passage is uncertain, it highlights Democratic efforts to pressure the Trump administration to return the tariff money. The Trump administration has stated that refunds should be handled through further litigation, a position Democrats are using to criticize Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Oregon 30% Senate ×240% House 40% Department of Homeland Security 40% Ed Markey ×250% Congress 50% Jeanne Shaheen ×250% U.S. Customs and Border Protection 60% Ron Wyden ×260% Supreme Court ×270% United States 80% Donald Trump ×490%

Keywords

tariffs 100% refunds 90% supreme court 80% donald trump 70% small businesses 70% illegal tax scheme 60% democrats 60% tariff revenues 50% midterm elections 40%