Trump’s Bold Moves Hit Legal Roadblocks in Second Term

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Trump’s Bold Moves Hit Legal Roadblocks in Second Term \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has faced swift legal challenges to his aggressive executive actions. Federal judges have blocked efforts to limit birthright citizenship, cut federal spending, and push out government workers. While Democrats celebrate early victories, legal experts warn that these cases could reach the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, where Trump’s expansive view of presidential power may find support.

Trump’s Executive Orders Face Legal Roadblocks: Quick Looks

Judges Halt Key Trump Policies: Federal courts have blocked Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, cut federal funding, and push out government workers.
Seattle Judge Strikes Down Birthright Citizenship Order: Judge John Coughenour ruled that Trump’s plan violates the 14th Amendment, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Boston Judge Pauses Federal Worker Buyout Program: Judge George O’Toole Jr. temporarily blocked Trump’s plan to encourage federal workers to resign with paid leave.
Trump’s Supreme Court Advantage: With a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, Trump could ultimately prevail in key legal battles.
Congress Offers Little Resistance: Republican lawmakers back Trump’s actions, leaving the courts as the main check on his power.
Over 30 Lawsuits Filed: Legal challenges include FBI agents fighting political purges and families challenging transgender healthcare restrictions.
Trump Tests Limits on Federal Spending: His administration froze federal funds, a move blocked by Judge Loren AliKhan, who warned of constitutional violations.
Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power: A recent ruling granted Trump immunity for official acts, fueling concerns about unchecked executive authority.
Legal Uncertainty Grows: Will Trump comply with court rulings, or will his administration push the limits of executive power?
Next Steps in the Courts: Upcoming hearings and appeals could determine whether Trump’s policies survive legal challenges or collapse under judicial scrutiny.

Deep Look: Trump Faces Legal Setbacks as Judges Block Key Executive Orders

A familiar pattern has emerged in President Donald Trump’s second term: He announces a bold executive action, his opponents file lawsuits, and federal judges put his plans on hold.

In less than three weeks back in office, Trump has already faced multiple legal challenges, with federal courts stepping in to halt major initiatives, including:

Ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
Cutting federal spending and firing government watchdogs.
Offering paid leave buyouts to push federal employees into resignation.

The big question now: Are these court rulings temporary obstacles or signs of deeper legal trouble ahead for Trump?

Judicial Pushback: Courts as the Last Line of Defense

With a Republican-controlled Congress largely backing Trump, the judiciary remains the primary check on his power. But legal experts warn that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority may ultimately side with the president, reshaping long-standing constitutional precedents.

“What’s constitutional or not is only as good as the latest court decision,” said Philip Joyce, a public policy professor at the University of Maryland.

Already, more than 30 lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s policies, covering issues like:

FBI agents suing over alleged political purges.
Families challenging new restrictions on healthcare for transgender youth.
States opposing Trump’s attempts to freeze federal funding.

Federal Judges Block Trump’s Policies

Seattle: Birthright Citizenship Order Halted

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in Seattle issued a scathing ruling against Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, calling it “a fundamental constitutional right” protected by the 14th Amendment.

“The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or ignore for political or personal gain,” Coughenour said.

Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, previously called the order “blatantly unconstitutional”, adding:

“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, and I can’t recall another case where the constitutional question was so clear.”

Boston: Federal Worker Buyout Plan Put on Hold

In another setback for Trump, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston paused the White House’s controversial plan to push federal workers into early resignation.

The American Federation of Government Employees challenged the move, arguing it violated labor laws.

O’Toole, a Clinton appointee, has scheduled a hearing on Monday to determine whether the program can proceed.

Despite the ruling, the White House claims the program is already having an impact, with:

40,000 federal workers reportedly agreeing to resign in exchange for paid leave until Sept. 30.

“This is a generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer for federal workers who refuse to show up to the office,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Supreme Court Showdown? Trump’s Legal Battles Could Reshape Presidential Power

Trump’s legal challenges could ultimately land before the U.S. Supreme Court, where his three appointees have helped solidify a conservative majority.

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court expanded presidential immunity, deciding that presidents cannot be prosecuted for official acts.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the court’s few liberals, warned that this decision risks turning the presidency into a monarchy.

“This ruling makes the U.S. president a king above the law,” she wrote in her dissent.

Steve Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, cautioned that even judicial rulings may not be enough to stop Trump if Congress refuses to act.

“The collapse of congressional oversight is an ominous sign. If this administration starts openly defying court orders, there’s little stopping it,” Vladeck said.

Congressional Oversight Weakens as Trump Expands Power

While past presidents faced resistance from Congress, Trump has enjoyed broad support from his party, allowing him to:

Unilaterally cut federal spending.
Fire government watchdogs without oversight.
Push executive actions that challenge existing laws.

“We’re down to two branches of government,” said Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School.

Even Trump’s most controversial policies—such as withholding congressionally approved funding—have found defenders within the GOP, who argue that laws restricting the president’s financial control are unconstitutional.

One Major Test: Trump’s Fight Over Federal Funding

One of Trump’s most legally questionable actions involves freezing federal funds, a practice known as impoundment.

The 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act was passed after President Nixon’s abuses.
Trump’s allies claim the law is an unconstitutional restriction on White House authority.
His administration froze federal grants and loans, citing an “ideological review” of spending.

This move was blocked by U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, a Biden appointee, who ruled:

“Defendants’ actions in this case potentially run roughshod over a ‘bulwark of the Constitution’ by interfering with Congress’s appropriation of federal funds.”

What’s Next?

As Trump faces more legal battles, key questions remain:

Will the Supreme Court back Trump’s expansion of presidential power?
How far can Trump push executive authority before Congress intervenes?
Will federal agencies comply with court rulings, or challenge judicial authority?

With a Republican-controlled Congress showing little interest in limiting Trump’s power, the courts remain the primary check—but even that may not be enough.

As the fight over presidential authority, funding, and constitutional rights continues, the next few months could define the future of American democracy.