As the administration navigates the fallout from the Supreme Court’s recent decision, Republican investors should note that the White House is far from out of moves. The legal "snafu" over emergency powers hasn't dampened the "America First" agenda; it has simply forced a tactical shift toward more established statutory authorities.
Here is your updated day-by-day guide to the week of February 23, 2026.
Monday, Feb 23: The Tariff Pivot
The week opens with investors digesting the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling that struck down the administration’s use of broad emergency powers for global tariffs. However, the "Sell America" narrative is being challenged by the President’s weekend announcement of a multi-pronged counter-strategy.
- The Options: The White House is signaling it will pivot to Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act (dealing with balance-of-payments deficits) or Section 232 (National Security) to maintain the 15% baseline.
- Watch: Defensive sectors (Gold) and Treasury yields. Investors are gauging if these workarounds will create a lasting legal cloud or if the "Energy Dominance" policies provide a sufficient floor for domestic equities.
Tuesday, Feb 24: The State of the Union
All eyes turn to the House Chamber tonight. The President delivers the State of the Union address amidst friction with the Judiciary but with a clear mandate from his base.
- The GOP Angle: Expect a forceful defense of the tariff strategy as a "fair trade" necessity. Look for rhetoric regarding the Working Families Tax Cuts and a potential push for a second round of reconciliation to address housing and healthcare costs.
- Data: The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence index and Case-Shiller home prices will be released earlier in the day—critical barometers for the "affordability" platform central to the 2026 midterm strategy.
"The Supreme Court may have clipped the administration's emergency wings, but by pivoting to a menu of statutory options like Section 122, the White House is signaling that the 'America First' trade architecture is a permanent fixture, not a temporary emergency."
Wednesday, Feb 25: The AI Litmus Test
Politics takes a backseat to Big Tech as Nvidia reports Q4 earnings after the bell.
- The Stakes: With orders for Blackwell and Rubin chips reportedly reaching $500 billion, Nvidia isn't just a stock; it’s the heartbeat of the modern industrial strategy. Republican investors focused on US technological hegemony will be looking for data center revenue that justifies the current "AI-led" market valuations.
- Also Watching: Home Depot earnings, providing a direct look at the health of the American consumer and the "renovate vs. buy" trend in a high-interest-rate environment.
Thursday, Feb 26: Energy and Geopolitics
Tensions in the Middle East are peaking as US and Iranian officials continue high-stakes talks in Geneva.
- The Play: With oil ETFs (USO, BNO) showing significant volatility, any breakdown in diplomacy or military posturing in the Strait of Hormuz will further spike energy prices.
- Policy: Watch for developments on the SPEED Act and other permitting reform bills in the Senate, which aim to streamline natural gas pipelines—a core tenet of the GOP energy agenda.
Friday, Feb 27: The "Stagflation" Check
The week concludes with a focus on whether the US is entering a "low-hire, low-fire" stagflationary trap.
- Key Data: Following last week’s disappointing 1.4% GDP print and accelerated 3.0% Core PCE, investors will be scouring revised inflation sentiment and manufacturing data.
- Bottom Line: If inflation remains "sticky" while growth slows, the pressure on the Federal Reserve to navigate a "no-risk-free path" will intensify.
