Trump’s Losses Raise a Question: Should One Judge Set National Policy?
Posted on: Mar 13, 2025 00:19 IST | Posted by: Nytimes
Supported by
Trial-court judges continue to block the president’s agenda with injunctions that apply across the country. Some conservatives want to limit that power.
Reporting on the federal judiciary from Philadelphia
Judges in courtrooms from Rhode Island to Seattle have issued rulings against President Trump that have not only angered the president but also focused the attention of scholars of all ideologies on one of the judiciary’s most fearsome powers, the nationwide injunction.
Less than two months into Mr. Trump’s second term, district judges have issued nationwide decrees blocking the firings of civil servants, the freezing of congressionally appropriated federal funding, the end of nearly automatic citizenship for babies born on American soil and the relocation of transgender women in federal prisons to men’s housing. And that only names a few.
The debate over nationwide injunctions has simmered for years, but with more than 100 lawsuits pending against the Trump administration, it is now roaring. Last week, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Criticized “the unchecked power” of a district court judge who ordered the State Department to release roughly $2 billion to contractors for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh joined in Justice Alito’s dissent.
House Republicans are targeting nationwide injunctions with a bill that its sponsor, Representative Darrell Issa of California, said was needed to fix “a major malfunction” in the federal judiciary. Under the legislation, undocumented immigrant parents, for instance, would have to file lawsuits as individuals, or as part of a class action, to preserve citizenship rights for their children. Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, has said he is working on a similar measure that would restrict nationwide judicial orders to three-judge panels, with appeals going directly to the Supreme Court.
Democrats, in turn, have accused Republicans of going after the last check on Mr. Trump’s power, the judiciary.
Without doubt, nationwide injunctions have given the contemporary judiciary a quick and consequential cadence, since any one of the more than 600 trial court judges can make headlines with an emergency ruling that orders the White House to stop in its tracks. The growth of such rulings, experts say, has been driven by presidents of both parties who have used unilateral agency action and aggressive readings of existing laws to circumvent Congress.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.