The Supreme Court is wrapping up a term dominated by President Donald Trump's expansive claims of presidential power. Among the eight remaining cases to be decided this week, starting Monday, are disputes over birthright citizenship, the president's ability to fire independent agency heads, and the removal of a Federal Reserve governor.
Key Cases on Presidential Power
Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, fire the heads of most independent agencies at will, and remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor are all before the justices. The court's conservative majority has so far been largely receptive to Trump's immigration crackdown, including a decision last week allowing the administration to end temporary legal protections for people who came to the U.S. due to war or natural disaster.
During April arguments, the justices signaled skepticism toward Trump's executive order that would deny citizenship to children born to parents in the country illegally or temporarily, overturning long-settled understanding.
Transgender Athlete and Election Cases
The court is also weighing whether to uphold laws in about half the states that prohibit transgender girls and women from playing on public school and college sports teams, in cases from West Virginia and Idaho. Two election-related cases remain: one over state laws allowing a grace period for receipt of mailed ballots sent by Election Day, and another on limits to political party spending in support of congressional and presidential candidates.
Geofence Warrants and Asylum
Also outstanding is a dispute over geofence warrants that collect cellphone users' location history to find people near crime scenes. Critics say the practice violates civil liberties. Another decision could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to seek asylum in the United States.
Trump's Power to Fire Officials
The extent of Trump's power to fire independent agency members is the oldest undecided case, argued in December. The justices seem likely to overturn or drastically narrow a 91-year-old decision that required cause, like neglect of duty, before a president could remove Senate-confirmed officials. The outcome appears in little doubt because the conservatives have allowed the firings to take effect while the case plays out, even after lower-court judges found them illegal. The court seemed less willing to endorse Trump's bid to immediately fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations, which she denies. No president has ever fired a Fed governor in the agency's 112-year history.
By custom, the court finishes its work before July 4. After this week, its next public meeting is the first Monday in October.
