Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 2/13/2026-2/20/2026

Slamming Trump's Tariffs After Supreme Court Decision

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump does not have the unilateral authority to issue sweeping tax hikes on consumer and household necessities in the form of tariffs without Congressional approval:

"This rebuke to Trump is a relief for American families and businesses. The Supreme Court has delivered a serious and absolutely necessary rejection of Trump's lawless trade war. Now, consumers and businesses deserve refunds for the deep suffering Trump's illegal tariffs have inflicted."

"Trump's unilateral tariffs were not only illegal, they were devastating to consumers buying cars to commute to work, groceries to feed their families, energy to heat their homes, even clothing for their kids. The Trump tariffs were a disaster for big and small businesses that paid the price - literally. This kind of economic harm might not have been painful for the millionaires and billionaires in the Trump Cabinet, who claim it's no big thing, but it deeply hurt average, everyday Americans."

Advocating for Our National Security & Alliances Abroad

Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan bicameral delegation led by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC).

"At this critical moment for our national defense, I am eager to speak directly with our European allies to reaffirm our support for NATO and to our shared security goals," Blumenthal said. "I look forward to continuing conversations about our common commitment to Ukraine's brave fight against Putin's bloody assault - vital to our own national interest and to Europe's."

The MSC is widely considered the world's leading forum for international security policy. The conference is a "marketplace of ideas" where initiatives and solutions are developed and opinions are exchanged. It also provides a venue for diplomatic initiatives and ideas to cooperatively address the world's most pressing security concerns.

Blumenthal further expressed support for our European allies and urged recommitment to supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia on Twitter/X.

"We're talking bluntly but positively with European leaders here at the Munich Security Conference. Europe hopes, indeed hungers, for reassurance that America is a reliable ally, after Trump rants about invading Greenland, abandoning Ukraine & more. Strong European support for Ukraine-mirroring ours. Ukraine's fight is their fight, & ours. Rubio fell flat. His headliner speech sought to calm rifts-but vague platitudes & bromides lacked substance & specificity. Barely any mention of Ukraine, Russia or China," wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal also traveled to Ukraine and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and highlighted the need for the United States to continue to back Ukraine in its fight against Russia's murderous invasion. He also accompanied U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Chris Coons (D-DE) on the first Congressional Delegation to Odesa since the start of Russia's full scale invasion in 2022.

"Approaching the 4th anniversary of Russia's savage, slaughtering invasion, Ukrainian's are enduring unspeakable suffering with unstoppable bravery & strength. Match Ukrainian courage with action. Their resolve & resilience demand more than rhetoric-to stop Putin's killing & kidnapping, bombing hospitals & homes, abducting tens of thousands of kids, war crimes & inhumanity. The face of 21st century evil. Ironclad security guarantees are a lynchpin to any peace agreement, deterring Russia from repeating cruel attempts to conquer this brave country. No strength, no peace. A war criminal, that's all Putin understands," wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

"In Kyiv & now Odesa, I'm deeply moved to witness the destruction wrought by Russia met with unstoppable Ukrainian grit & grace. America should match their courage with ours-weapons not just words, sledgehammer economic pressure, like my Russia sanctions bill," wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

"My visit to Ukraine convinces me that redoubled U.S. support-more than rhetoric-is essential to Ukraine's battlefield strength & peace. The Ukrainian Navy is fighting with a determination & skill that is of the highest caliber. We must provide them the tools they urgently need," wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal advocated for Connecticut businesses as an essential part of our country's efforts to support our European allies.

"We need a strong NATO alliance. I'm at CT's Pratt & Whitney in Rzeszów Poland where engine parts for the most advanced fighter jets are made & sent to East Hartford. This collaboration is key to help our European allies push back against Russia's murderous aggression," wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

"I was shocked to learn that Putin is purposely targeting American businesses-bombing more than half of the 600 with operations here. It's open season on American plants & offices in Ukraine," wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

On the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Blumenthal released a statement following the Trump Administration's decision to halt its new interim final rule at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would immediately change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated. This rule would lower disability ratings and compensation awards for disabled veterans by not taking into account their baseline conditions. While VA Secretary halted the rule, he has not outright rescinded it.

"While I'm encouraged the Secretary has temporarily walked away from his short-sighted policy to slash disability benefits for thousands of veterans, this rule must be permanently rescinded. This proposed policy would do nothing but reduce the compensation veterans are due, and scare them into avoiding the life-improving medication they need - harming their physical and mental health. I will be introducing legislation to align VA policy with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims' ruling that a veteran's disability rating must be strictly based on that veteran's underlying condition."

Earlier this week, Blumenthal joined Veterans Service Organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), in raising concerns over this rule.

Blumenthal slammed the Trump Administration's dangerous decision to end a policy aimed at preventing veterans who are at-risk to themselves or others from buying firearms:

"Guns are used in the vast majority of veteran suicides. The Trump Administration's decision to abruptly end a policy that prevents troubled veterans or those requiring a fiduciary to manage their affairs from buying firearms is dangerous and reckless. This Administration should be focused on measures that will actually help end veteran suicide and make our communities safer. Eliminating this policy and weakening the NICS background check system altogether is a disastrous decision that will have potentially tragic impacts for years to come."

For the last 30 years, the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) list has included veterans who have serious mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This policy is intended to protect from the irreversible harm that can result when someone in crisis has access to a firearm. VA made these determinations through a comprehensive process with robust due process protections built in. VA Secretary Doug Collins and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced they will stop reporting these veterans to this background check system and remove all past VA reports.

Protecting Against Political Prosecutions

Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY) introduced new legislation to enact guardrails to prevent the Trump Administration and future Administrations from misusing the justice system to target or coerce political opponents.

"Under President Trump, traditions of professionalism at the Department of Justice have been trashed - requiring legislation to prevent weaponization of political revenge. Norms have been subverted and career prosecutors defending the rule of law are fired and replaced by political henchmen," Blumenthal said. "This legislation installs safeguards- beginning with a right of action against federal officials who engage in malicious prosecution and personal or political targeting. Some of these reforms are sweeping, because the threat we face is broad and unprecedented. There must be accountability for federal officials who use the vast power of prosecution for personal or political ends. These reforms will make our justice system fairer for all Americans."

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal reintroduced Jaime's Law to combat gun violence.

Blumenthal and U. S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) demanded answers from a toy maker for exposing sensitive data involving children to the public.

Blumenthal honored the passing of Carolyn Vermont.

Blumenthal met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Blumenthal congratulated Connecticut's Mac Forehand on his Olympic silver medal.

Blumenthal wished a peaceful Ramadan to all who observe.

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