Swamp Notes How the Supreme Court can change the course of Trump’s presidency
Sep 12, 2025
Stefania Palma, The Financial Times' U.S. legal and enforcement correspondent, joins to discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming term and its potential impact on Trump’s presidency. They analyze critical legal challenges surrounding presidential power, especially in areas like immigration and tariffs. The conversation highlights the court's controversial emergency rulings and the polarized perceptions of its motivations. Additionally, they reflect on the implications of rising political violence and the shifting dynamics among justices during this pivotal moment.
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Emergency Rulings Create Legal Uncertainty
- The Supreme Court has issued many emergency rulings without full written opinions, creating confusion for lower courts.
- Those emergency orders have immediate real-world effects even before full hearings occur.
Status Quo Choices Favor Likely Winners
- The court weighs who is more likely to win when preserving the status quo in emergency appeals.
- That can mean allowing the government to continue novel actions while cases proceed.
Court Appears More Permissive Toward Trump Moves
- Critics say the court has been receptive to the Trump administration's emergency arguments, allowing controversial policies to advance.
- Observers note a contrast with the court's tougher posture toward the Biden administration earlier.