Chief Justice Roberts checks Sotomayor in birthright citizenship hearing

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts reined in Justice Sonia Sotomayor during oral arguments on Thursday, as the justices debated the issue of birthright citizenship and nationwide court injunctions. Sotomayor took the lead in questioning U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer from President Donald Trump’s administration, challenging the authority of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions and interrupting the lawyer several times.

Sotomayor argued that Trump’s order invalidating birthright citizenship went against four Supreme Court precedents, and she believed it was appropriate for a federal judge to grant an injunction against such an order. She questioned whether lower courts had the power to stop the executive branch from violating Supreme Court rulings universally.

“We are not claiming that because we’re conceding that there could be an appropriate case only in class only,” Sauer responded.

Chief Justice Roberts intervened, asking to hear the rest of Sauer’s answer before Sotomayor could interrupt again. Sauer explained that the government’s position was that federal courts could intervene in specific cases but not issue nationwide injunctions. He acknowledged that the Supreme Court had the authority to grant such injunctions in certain circumstances.

Sauer emphasized that universal injunctions created practical issues and went beyond the traditional bounds of equitable authority. He argued that they forced rushed, high-stakes decisions, created conflicts between different courts, and placed the government in a position where it had to win everywhere.

The Trump administration is challenging three separate nationwide injunctions imposed by federal judges, and a Supreme Court decision in this case could have significant national implications. More than 310 federal lawsuits have challenged White House actions since Trump’s second term began in January 2025, highlighting the importance of this legal battle.

The consolidated cases before the court are Trump v. CASA, Trump v. the State of Washington, and Trump v. New Jersey. The justices are expected to fast-track the case, meaning a decision could come within weeks or even days.

The outcome of this case will set a precedent that could shape future legal battles and the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on this contentious issue.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.