Trump’s powers to get reshaped by Supreme Court

(MENAFN) The US Supreme Court begins its new term on Monday with a docket packed with cases that could shape the extent of President Donald Trump’s executive authority and influence the outcome of key political and economic policies.

Since returning to the White House eight months ago, Trump has repeatedly tested the limits of presidential power, enacting unilateral policies, cutting federal budgets and staff, and attempting to assert greater control over previously independent agencies and institutions.

One major legal battle centers on Trump’s efforts to deploy state National Guard units in US cities, claiming public unrest and rising crime, despite opposition from local and state authorities. In Oregon, a federal judge blocked Trump’s deployment of troops to Portland, with an appeals court set to review the decision. “This is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law,” Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by Trump, wrote, warning that accepting the administration’s arguments could blur the line between civil and military authority.

Once the appellate court rules, the Supreme Court could intervene via its so-called “shadow docket,” issuing short, emergency rulings that may either limit or temporarily expand Trump’s use of military force domestically. The shadow docket has increasingly allowed the administration to advance actions while challenges continue, though critics argue it lacks transparency and detailed reasoning. Democratic Senator Cory Booker described the practice as removing key decisions from public scrutiny and accountability.

In contrast, the current term will feature cases considered on their merits, with oral arguments and full opinions, forcing justices to provide explicit reasoning if they grant broader executive powers.

Key cases include whether Trump can remove members of independent federal agencies without congressional approval, his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and challenges to unilateral tariffs, federal spending cuts, workforce reductions, and immigration policies. While not yet scheduled, the court may also review Trump’s controversial efforts to end automatic citizenship for US-born children.

Experts warn that the term will test how the justices apply doctrines like the “major questions doctrine,” previously used to strike down major Biden initiatives, in a politically neutral manner.

Professor Jennifer Nou noted that the court’s decisions could directly shape Trump’s highest political and economic priorities, from tariffs to potential changes to birthright citizenship.

With executive power under intense scrutiny, the upcoming Supreme Court term promises to play a defining role in setting the boundaries of presidential authority in the United States.

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