Trump executive orders face turning point as Supreme Court rules on judicial powers

The Supreme Court handed down a major victory for President Donald Trump on Friday, ruling 6-3 to limit the issuance of universal injunctions by lower courts. These injunctions had been used to block many of the administration’s executive orders and actions. The decision will have far-reaching implications for how lower courts can issue injunctions in the future.

The case in question involved the Trump administration’s ban on birthright citizenship, which had been blocked nationwide by federal district judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington state. The Supreme Court’s ruling, however, did not address the constitutionality of the birthright citizenship order, but rather focused on the issue of universal injunctions.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, emphasized that federal courts do not have the authority to issue universal injunctions under the Judiciary Act of 1789. The ruling instructed lower courts to ensure that injunctions are limited to the plaintiffs in the case and comply with principles of equity. The enforcement of the orders was also stayed for 30 days.

In a scathing dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized the decision, arguing that it gives the Executive Branch unchecked power to flout the law and violate constitutional rights. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson also expressed concerns that the ruling would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations who may not have the resources to challenge government actions.

The Supreme Court’s decision comes at a time when presidents have increasingly relied on executive orders to bypass Congress. The ruling will likely curtail the use of nationwide injunctions by lower courts, which have been a common tool in challenging presidential actions.

President Trump hailed the decision as a “GIANT WIN” and announced plans to hold a press conference to discuss the ruling. The Justice Department also welcomed the ruling, with Attorney General Pam Bondi praising the decision as a victory for the administration’s policies.

Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling on universal injunctions will have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. It remains to be seen how lower courts will interpret and comply with the new restrictions on issuing nationwide injunctions.