Supreme Court issues mixed rulings on Trump policies, expanding presidential power in some areas while curbing it in others
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The Court’s latest decisions grant President Trump broader authority over independent agencies and campaign finance, but reject his attempts to end birthright citizenship, impose tariffs and limit voting rights.
The Supreme Court released its final opinions for the 2025-2026 term, delivering a blend of victories and defeats for President Donald Trump. A conservative-majority ruling in Trump v. Slaughter struck down long-standing limits on the removal of Federal Trade Commission members, expanding the president’s power to dismiss officials of independent agencies. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the president must be able to remove subordinates to remain accountable to the people.
In a separate case, the Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh stating that neither the Constitution nor Title IX requires a nationwide overhaul of women’s sports. The decision protects similar statutes in more than two dozen states.
The justices also struck down federal caps on coordinated campaign spending, deeming them a violation of the First Amendment. Justice Kavanaugh argued the ruling treats all parties equally and allows more robust political participation.
Conversely, the Court rejected Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, finding it unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. Roberts emphasized that citizenship guarantees the right to participate in the political community.
The Court further limited the president’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant such power. The decision was authored by Roberts, with Justices Kavanaugh, Alito and Thomas dissenting.
Other notable rulings included a decision allowing states to count mail ballots that arrive after Election Day but were cast by the deadline, and a denial of the president’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The Court also declined to hear President Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll defamation cases.
These rulings collectively broaden presidential control over certain federal functions while curbing other aspects of the Trump administration’s agenda.
