President Donald Trump celebrated what he called a “giant win” on Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to restrict the authority of individual federal judges from issuing nationwide injunctions that have blocked several of his controversial policies.
In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority ruled that district judges overstepped their bounds by halting Trump’s executive actions on issues like immigration, diversity programs, and birthright citizenship. The ruling is expected to have sweeping consequences for the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch.
At a press conference, Trump said the decision marks a “monumental victory for the Constitution,” adding that it will now allow him to advance policies previously stalled by courts—such as defunding sanctuary cities and cutting support for transgender initiatives.
The ruling stemmed from challenges to Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, though the court did not directly rule on the constitutionality of that policy. Instead, it addressed whether a single district court judge can block a presidential order nationwide.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who authored the majority opinion, wrote that federal courts are not meant to act as general overseers of the executive branch. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented strongly, warning the ruling could allow the government to sidestep constitutional checks.
Trump also praised a separate Supreme Court decision that allows parents to opt out their children from LGBTQ-themed books in schools, which critics argue could undermine secular education.
Democratic leaders quickly condemned the ruling. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a “terrifying step toward authoritarianism,” accusing the court of enabling Trump to expand presidential powers with fewer checks.
Trump dismissed those concerns, saying the ruling actually reinforces constitutional principles and limits judicial overreach.
While national injunctions have been a tool used by judges under previous administrations, their use increased significantly during Trump’s presidency. Legal scholars say the new ruling could weaken courts’ ability to block executive overreach in the future.