The U.S. Supreme Court concluded a highly contentious term marked by ideological divisions and landmark rulings that significantly expanded executive authority. The 6-3 conservative majority handed President Donald Trump both major losses and substantial wins, reshaping American law on immigration, voting rights, campaign finance, and the power of the presidency.
Trump’s Mixed Record at the Court
President Trump secured significant victories this term, including a ruling that vastly expanded his power to fire leaders of independent agencies and another allowing the administration to end temporary humanitarian protections for over one million immigrants. The Court also upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ sports and gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. However, Trump suffered notable defeats, including a 6-3 decision upholding birthright citizenship and another blocking his emergency global tariffs.
Ideological Splits Dominate
Thirteen cases this term were decided along strict 6-3 ideological lines, more than double the number from the previous term. This trend reinforces perceptions of a deeply divided Court, despite Chief Justice John Roberts’ appeals for the public to view the institution as nonpartisan. Key 6-3 rulings included decisions on voting rights, immigration, and campaign finance.
Justice Kavanaugh’s Pivotal Role
Justice Brett Kavanaugh emerged as a key swing vote, often siding with the conservative majority but also breaking with it on occasion. He wrote the lead dissent in the tariffs case and declined to join the majority’s reasoning on birthright citizenship, drawing criticism from the right. His colleague, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, faced sharp attacks from conservatives after she voted against Trump in the birthright citizenship case.
Tensions and Institutional Friction
The term was marked by public tension among the justices, including an apology from Justice Sonia Sotomayor to Kavanaugh and an unusual on-bench exchange with Justice Samuel Alito. Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson urged the Court to be more scrupulous in avoiding the appearance of politics.
Closing the Courthouse Doors
The Court resolved several cases by limiting the ability of individuals to sue the government or corporations. It ruled that federal courts cannot review the president’s decisions on humanitarian protections, barred lawsuits over religious rights violations in prisons, and blocked claims against companies for aiding torture overseas. Critics argue these decisions leave injured individuals without legal recourse.
