Victor Schwartz, owner of New York-based wine importer VOS Selections, has become a national figure after leading a landmark Supreme Court case that struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling them illegal in a 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026.
While most multinational corporations remained silent, wary of backlash and financial risk, Schwartz stepped up as the lead plaintiff in VOS Selections, Inc. v. Trump. The lawsuit, filed by the Liberty Justice Center in April 2025, challenged the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to unilaterally impose tariffs that threatened small businesses like Schwartz’s. The case was later consolidated with similar lawsuits filed by 12 states and educational supply company Learning Resources.
“This was a fight for my family business and for small businesses everywhere,” Schwartz said, noting the personal cost of constant harassment and security concerns since joining the case. His company imports wine and spirits from 16 countries and faced six-figure tariff bills under Trump’s 2025 tariff program, which he described as “a grave violation of executive powers.”
The Supreme Court ruling may entitle Schwartz and other importers to refunds totaling at least $134 billion, though details remain unclear. While Trump has already imposed a separate 10% global tariff under a different trade law, Schwartz believes future measures will be narrower and time-limited.
Schwartz expressed pride that corporate America can now benefit from the legal victory, even if large companies stayed on the sidelines. “So it takes a little match to start the fire. Okay, I’ll take that,” he said, celebrating the win with an old bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Legal experts highlight that Schwartz’s courage underscores the critical role small businesses can play in challenging government overreach, particularly when larger corporations hesitate to risk public confrontation.
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