Trump's State of the Union: Handshakes and Trade Policy Shifts

A Unique Washington Moment

In the heart of Washington, there exists a type of interaction that transcends the visual - a handshake that embodies the tension of a courtroom decision and personal pride, all encapsulated in a brief two-second clasp. On February 24, 2026, as Donald Trump entered the House Chamber for his State of the Union address, he navigated the aisle with his signature style. Greetings were exchanged with Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Despite the smiles that were not genuinely shared, the ceremonial gestures of the republic were upheld.

It’s worth noting that three of these justices—Roberts, Kagan, and Barrett—had recently dealt Trump a significant legal setback. Their signatures were still fresh on a ruling that dismantled his extensive tariff strategy. Yet, in Washington, the handshake remains a revered act, and the smile is obligatory. The real disputes are settled behind closed doors.

As the applause faded, Trump swiftly redirected the conversation surrounding tariffs. He proclaimed that the tariffs had been a tremendous success, claiming the nation was accumulating 'hundreds of billions of dollars.' He insisted that foreign nations were finally contributing fairly. 'They were taking advantage of us,' Trump asserted. Regarding the Supreme Court's decision, he labeled it 'unfortunate' and 'disappointing'—terms that carry significant weight when avoiding direct criticism of those he had just greeted.

However, Trump quickly shifted gears, introducing Section 122 of the Trade Act, proposing a 15% global tariff as a new strategy. He acknowledged the complexity of this approach, which, coming from him, is a rare moment of humility. 'But they’re actually probably better,' he added.

This encapsulates Trump's approach: instead of building a wall, create a more effective barrier; rather than imposing a tariff, discover a superior alternative. When the court strikes down one plan, he seeks another solution.

Roberts, for his part, was present, engaging in the handshake and standing in the chamber of the leader whose ambitions his court had just curtailed. This too is a form of communication—one expressed not through legal documents but through body language and institutional decorum. The chief justice is known for his restraint, focusing on precedent and maintaining a poker face, and on this evening, he managed to do both.

This moment will be remembered in the annals of history—a handshake at the intersection of executive authority and judicial oversight, where two pivotal figures in America exchanged cordialities while a significant trade policy lingered in the background.

In Washington, this is just another typical Tuesday.