How Trump’s Bold Push for Presidential Power Shapes the New Supreme Court Term

Starting Monday, a significant term begins at the Supreme Court. This session will tackle issues around presidential power, voting rights, and LGBTQ rights.

The court’s conservative majority has shown support for many of President Trump’s bold claims of authority. In a recent ruling about cutting research funding, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson likened the court’s decisions to a game with no rules, saying, “We seem to have two: one, and this administration always wins.”

Experts predict that if the current conservative-liberal split continues, we might see one of the most divisive terms yet. Irv Gornstein, director of the Supreme Court Institute at Georgetown Law, notes that the justices will be weighing some of Trump’s most contentious actions over the next ten months.

Three key cases related to presidential power are on the docket. The court will review Trump’s tariffs in November, which two lower courts deemed outside his authority under an emergency powers law. Opponents argue that he cannot bypass Congress when imposing tariffs. The administration contends it has the regulatory authority to set tariffs, supported by some dissenting judges.

In December, the justices will assess Trump’s ability to fire independent agency members without cause. This could lead to a reversal of a long-standing precedent requiring a valid reason for such dismissals. So far, conservative justices have allowed these firings to proceed, despite lower courts ruling against them.

Another upcoming case involves Trump’s executive order that aims to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. Lower courts have already blocked this action, deeming it unconstitutional.

Voting rights also hang in the balance. A key case from Louisiana about congressional redistricting could result in significant changes to the Voting Rights Act. The state has stopped defending a map that has historically favored Black candidates. Critics fear this could lead to a loss of minority representation in Congress.

Recent shifts in the court’s reasoning on race have made observers cautious. Chief Justice John Roberts and the conservative majority have shown skepticism about using race in public policy decisions, as seen in their recent ruling on affirmative action in college admissions.

In the realm of campaign finance, the court is poised to review limits on spending by political parties, which may lead to further deregulation of campaign finances. This could be a pivotal moment, given that similar cases have historically reshaped electoral funding landscapes.

In a related area, over two dozen states have enacted laws restricting transgender women and girls from participating in school sports. The Supreme Court will decide on cases from Idaho and West Virginia, where lower courts ruled in favor of transgender athletes. The broader implications of these cases touch on equal treatment under the law and Title IX, which expanded sports opportunities for women.

Looking ahead, Justice Samuel Alito, who will soon be 76, may consider retirement in 2026. His departure could pave the way for Trump to nominate a younger, conservative successor if the political landscape remains favorable.

As the court begins its new term, these critical issues will shape the nation’s legal landscape and reflect broader societal debates. The outcomes could have lasting impacts on voting rights, representation, and the rights of marginalized groups.

Source link

Donald Trump, Courts, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Ketanji Brown Jackson, LGBTQ, Louisiana, General news, District of Columbia, Government and politics, U.S. Democratic Party, Washington news, Supreme Court of the United States, United States government, Politics