Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)

Episode: Trump lashes out at 'disappointing' Supreme Court ruling
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Keith Adams

Overview

This episode dives into a string of major global events, with a primary focus on former President Donald Trump’s reaction to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidating most of his trade tariffs. The discussion expands to the international and domestic implications of the ruling, latest developments in the Middle East, the royal scandal involving Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, rising questions of monarchy in Commonwealth nations, escalating tensions in the West Bank, North Korea’s political direction, the next crewed mission to the Moon, and a high-profile debate over the U.S. government’s UFO files.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump vs. Supreme Court: Trade Tariffs Showdown

• Segment Start: [01:00]
• Main Issue: The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump’s wide-ranging tariffs, enacted via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were unlawful and should have involved Congressional approval.
• Trump’s Response:
  • At a press conference, Trump criticized the justices (including two of his own appointees), calling them "fools and lapdogs".

    “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.”
    — Donald Trump ([02:45])

  • Trump claimed foreign countries were “dancing in the streets” but quickly announced a new 10% global tariff via Section 122 authority.
• Political and Economic Impact:
  • Senator Chuck Schumer:

    “A vital and important point is missing... his tariffs have dramatically increased costs on American families.”
    — Chuck Schumer ([03:40])

  • The court case (Learning Resources v. Trump) was led by an importer of educational toys, whose CEO said:

    “This is a vindication of the principles of rule of law, where the law applies equally to everybody... the little guy won.”
    — Rick Waldenberg, CEO ([05:00])

• Analysis (Simi Jola Osho, Correspondent, Washington):
  • Trump shifted strategy, invoking Section 122 for short-term tariffs, requiring later Congressional approval ([05:30])
  • Debate lingers over whether companies will get refunds for past tariffs, with potential years of litigation ahead.
  • Experts believe consumers—who bore tariff costs—won’t see direct refunds even if companies do.
• International Reaction:
  • Other nations (Canada, EU, UK, etc.) cautiously welcome the ruling but expect more unpredictability with Trump’s new measures ([07:35])
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor:
  • The ruling undermined Trump’s reputation for being invulnerable by setting real checks on presidential power.

    “He can no longer do exactly what he wants to. Now, of course, if he finds a way around this ruling... maybe he will look as though the court simply cannot stop him.”
    — Sarah Smith ([09:10])

  • Upcoming Supreme Court decisions could further shape Trump’s executive authority.

2. Ukraine Peace Talks and U.S. Influence

• Segment Start: [11:40]
• Backdrop: As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary, new peace talks may convene in Geneva.
• Ukrainian View (IHOR Brusilow, Zelensky’s Office):
  • Talks are divided into military and political tracks—the latter needing breakthroughs for real progress ([12:10])
  • U.S. involvement is viewed positively for its good faith and growing understanding of Ukraine’s position.
  • Elections in Ukraine are possible, but only with security guarantees, i.e., near or post-war circumstances.

3. Scandal in the Monarchy: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor

• Segment Start: [17:00]
• Developments:
  • UK government might legislate to remove Andrew from the royal line of succession, pending police investigations.
  • Police are contacting former royal protection officers over new allegations involving Jeffrey Epstein ([18:50]).
• International Perspective:
  • Australia:

    “It is the biggest story in Australia here at the moment... when something major involves the royal family, questions are raised... should we become a republic?”
    — Emma Cropper, Sydney-based reporter ([21:30])

    • Prime Minister Albanese, a self-declared Republican, says it’s not the time for another referendum.
  • Canada:

    “It quickly turned to, what does this mean for all the places named after him?... It’s still early days, but as we discover perhaps who knew what when, that may lead to a stronger republic push.”
    — Karina Roman, CBC ([23:10])

  • Both nations see the scandal sparking national debates, but inertia and a preference for distinction from the U.S. slow any movement toward republicanism.

4. West Bank Violence & Weakening Palestinian Authority

• Segment Start: [28:00]
• Incident: A 19-year-old Palestinian American was shot dead by Israeli settlers near Ramallah—at least the sixth U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank in two years.

  “‘It’s a big loss to see a young man of 19 shot and killed. Cold blood and no responsibility. Impunity completely.’”
  — Abdul Hamid (Abu Sayyam’s cousin), ([28:53])

• Analysis (Yolande Nell, Middle East Correspondent):
  • Settler violence rising as the PA becomes increasingly feeble: financial crises, Israeli withholding of tax revenue, education disruptions for children.
  • Israeli far-right ministers push for further annexation and openly propose dismantling the PA.
  • The drive for Palestinian statehood looks more precarious than ever.

5. North Korea’s Party Congress: Signals on Succession?

• Segment Start: [36:10]
• Event: Kim Jong Un opens the Workers’ Party Congress, a pentennial gathering for big policy revelations.
• Key Moments:
  • Kim lauds North Korean successes (economic and diplomatic), vows continued strength ([36:35])
  • Speculation abounds that he may announce his young daughter as future successor, formalizing a fourth generation of Kim family rule.

6. NASA’s Artemis 2: Return to the Moon

• Segment Start: [39:30]
• Announcement: NASA sets March 6 as the earliest–though weather dependent–launch date for the Artemis 2 mission, its first crewed moon voyage in over 50 years.

  “We’re just so ready to fulfill the mission that we came here to do.”
  — NASA Administrator Laurie Glaze ([40:20])

• Crew will orbit around the Moon and return—a crucial step in the U.S.-China lunar race.

7. UFOs, Aliens, and Presidential Revelations

• Segment Start: [42:30]
• Background: Following comments by Barack Obama on a podcast about possible alien life, Trump promises to start releasing U.S. government files on extraterrestrial intelligence.

  “Well, I don’t know if they’re real or not... I can tell you he gave classified information. He’s not supposed to be doing that.”
  — Donald Trump ([43:50])

• Expert View (Dr. Becky Smethurst, astrophysicist): Most documents will likely pertain to UFO sightings, not aliens.
• Signals growing political appetite for transparency—even in fringe topics.

Notable Quotes

• Trump on the Supreme Court (on tariffs):

  “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.” ([02:45])

• CEO Rick Waldenberg (on court win):

  “We challenged the IPA tariffs as… an unlawful tax, and the Supreme Court seemingly adopted our arguments… the little guy won.” ([05:00])

• Sarah Smith (BBC):

  “This is a key diplomatic weapon for him as well… he can no longer do exactly what he wants to.” ([09:10])

• Emma Cropper (Australia on monarchy):

  “It is the biggest story in Australia here at the moment... especially one of this magnitude. Australians are watching it very closely because… questions are raised about whether we should be part of the monarchy and become a republic.” ([21:30])

Important Timestamps

| Time | Topic | |--------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Trump lashes out at Supreme Court ruling, new global tariffs planned | | 05:30 | Details on Section 122 authority, tariff refunds, and international reaction | | 09:10 | BBC’s Sarah Smith on checks to Trump’s presidential power | | 12:10 | Ukraine peace talks; interview with IHOR Brusilow (Zelensky’s office) | | 17:00 | Announcement on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s possible removal from royal succession | | 21:30 | Emma Cropper (Australia) and Karina Roman (Canada) on impacts to monarchy and republican debates | | 28:00 | Killing of Palestinian-American by Israeli settler, overview of PA’s weakening authority | | 36:10 | North Korea’s Party Congress, speculation about Kim Jong Un’s daughter as successor | | 39:30 | NASA Artemis 2 moon mission window announced | | 42:30 | Obama, Trump and the battle to declassify UFO/alien files |

Memorable Moments

• Trump’s blunt press conference, calling Supreme Court justices “fools and lapdogs” ([02:45])
• The victory lap by Learning Resources’ CEO over a rare “little guy” win against the White House ([05:00])
• Sarah Smith contextualizing the erosion of Trump’s unchecked executive authority ([09:10])
• Global reverberations of the Prince Andrew scandal fueling republican debates and identity questions in Australia and Canada ([21:30], [23:10])
• NASA’s poetic expression about the “moon calling us” ahead of Artemis 2 ([40:20])
• The surreal escalation of U.S. political discourse around aliens and government secrecy ([43:50])

Overall Tone

The episode is fast-paced, urgent, and grounded in expert analysis. The language generally remains factual, occasionally tinged with the color and emotion of firsthand accounts, particularly from those affected by violence or political scandal.

This summary covers all key segments and can serve as a comprehensive guide for listeners who missed the episode or want a detailed recap of the major world news discussed.