February 22, 2026 – Bitcoin and Ethereum are demonstrating remarkable resilience this Sunday, holding steady despite a chaotic 48 hours in Washington that saw President Trump impose an immediate 15% global tariff following a stinging defeat at the Supreme Court. While traditional markets brace for a renewed trade war, Bitcoin price resilience is emerging as the dominant narrative, with the asset decoupling from the volatility plaguing fiat currencies.
Supreme Court Strikes Down 'Liberation Day' Tariffs, Trump Counters
The latest turmoil began on Friday, February 20, when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy broad-based tariffs was unconstitutional. The decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, effectively voided the 10% "universal baseline" tariffs established during Trump's "Liberation Day" declaration in April 2025.
However, the victory for free-trade advocates was short-lived. Late Saturday, President Trump defied the judicial rebuke by announcing an even more aggressive 15% fee on all global imports, effective immediately. White House sources indicate the administration is now leveraging Section 122 of the Trade Act and expanded Section 232 national security powers to enforce the levies, setting the stage for a protracted constitutional showdown.
"The Supreme Court may have an opinion, but I have a mandate," Trump posted on Truth Social. "We are stopping the foreign plunder of our wealth. The tariff is now 15%—maybe it should be 20%."
Crypto Markets Shrug Off Volatility as Bitcoin Holds $68,000
Historically, trade war escalations have triggered sell-offs in risk assets. Yet, the US trade policy impact on crypto appears to be shifting in 2026. As of Sunday morning, Bitcoin is trading near $68,200, up approximately 2% since the Supreme Court ruling. Ethereum has also defended critical support, hovering around $1,987.
This stability stands in stark contrast to the institutional caution seen in regulated products. Spot Bitcoin ETF outflows extended into a fifth consecutive week, with investors pulling over $315 million from funds managed by BlackRock and Fidelity in the week ending February 20. The divergence between skittish ETF investors and steadfast spot market buyers suggests a transfer of coins from weak hands to high-conviction holders.
Whale Activity Signals Accumulation
On-chain data paints a bullish picture beneath the surface. Despite the headline noise, crypto whale selling activity has notably decreased. Analytics firms report that wallets holding over 1,000 BTC have added to their positions during the weekend's news cycle, treating the regulatory chaos as a buying opportunity.
"Smart money is looking past the legal drama," notes a lead analyst at CryptoQuant. "They see a 15% tariff as an inflationary impulse. If the cost of goods rises in the US, the dollar weakens in real terms, strengthening the case for Bitcoin vs inflation hedge assets."
Inflation Concerns Reignite Demand for Digital Assets
The economic implications of a flat 15% tariff are severe. Economists warn that passing these costs to consumers could reverse the deflationary trends of late 2025. With the Federal Reserve already navigating a delicate soft landing, a fresh inflation spike could force interest rates higher—or, paradoxically, force the Fed to cut rates to support a slowing economy.
In this stagflationary scenario, Bitcoin's fixed supply becomes its most attractive attribute. Unlike the dollar, which faces devaluation from both fiscal deficits and trade-war-induced purchasing power loss, Bitcoin remains immutable. This narrative is helping Ethereum support levels 2026 firm up, as investors look for decentralized alternatives to the traditional financial system.
Outlook: The Battle for Trade Authority
As markets open on Monday, all eyes will be on the legal challenges likely to be filed against Trump's new Section 122 tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has already signaled that the administration will expand the list of derivative products covered under national security tariffs if the courts intervene again.
For crypto investors, the message is clear: Trump global tariffs 2026 may create noise, but the fundamental thesis for digital assets is strengthening amidst the chaos of centralized governance. As the executive and judicial branches clash, the apolitical nature of Bitcoin shines brighter than ever.
