US Supreme Court Limits Universal Injunctions, Strengthens Executive Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that federal courts cannot issue universal injunctions that block presidential executive orders nationwide, a decision that consolidates President Donald Trump's authority and limits judicial oversight over his policies. This ruling arose from challenges to Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, with the Court's conservative majority, including Trump appointees, restricting district courts' power to issue nationwide bans. Despite this, some judges, like U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss, continue to find alternative legal paths, such as class actions, to impose sweeping restrictions on Trump administration policies, including asylum bans. Justice Samuel Alito cautioned against potential loopholes in the ruling, warning that class action lawsuits might be used to circumvent the ban on universal injunctions, urging vigilance against such abuses. Critics argue the decision undermines the judiciary's role in checking presidential power, enabling Trump to pursue controversial measures such as deportations, penalizing sanctuary cities, and cutting funding for certain healthcare services. The ruling marks a significant shift toward an 'imperial presidency,' with Trump celebrating it as a victory against what he termed judicial 'abuse of power.'