The Supreme Court recently concluded a significant term, with decisions that both supported and challenged President Trump's agenda. In a major setback for the administration, the Court invalidated an executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship, with a 6-3 majority in Trump v. Barbara confirming that the order violated the 14th Amendment. Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion, emphasizing the historical promise of citizenship.
The Court also rejected President Trump's attempt to impose sweeping tariffs under emergency powers. In Learning Resources v. Trump, the high court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to levy tariffs. Chief Justice Roberts again wrote the opinion for the Court, noting that no previous president had interpreted IEEPA to grant such power.
However, the Court also delivered some victories for the president, particularly in expanding presidential authority over federal regulatory agencies. While it blocked Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook in a 5-4 decision in Trump v. Cook, other rulings expanded his ability to control federal agencies. The term also saw decisions that allowed his immigration crackdown to proceed and upheld state laws banning transgender athletes from women's sports.
