US Supreme Court has dealt heavy defeats to Trump, while expanding his power

June 30, 2026

The US Supreme Court has issued several significant rulings during President Trump's second term that both constrain and expand presidential authority. The Court's conservative majority, established during Trump's first term, struck down three major Trump initiatives including his attempt to end birthright citizenship, sweeping tariff implementations, and deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago over local objections. These defeats occurred when some conservative justices joined the Court's three liberal members to block what they viewed as presidential overreach beyond constitutional or legal boundaries.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump
Children of temporary visitors and undocumented migrants (regarding birthright citizenship)
America's trading partners (regarding tariffs)
Chicago residents and local/state officials (regarding National Guard deployment)
Members of independent federal regulatory agencies (who can now be dismissed by the president)
Congress (whose authority over independent agencies has been diminished)
Future presidents (who receive expanded powers and prosecutorial immunity)

What action is being taken

President Trump is endorsing legislation that would reinstate his proposed limits on birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court's conservative majority is methodically expanding executive power through its rulings

Why it matters

This represents a fundamental shift in the balance of power between government branches and sets precedents that will affect future presidencies. While the Court has blocked certain Trump actions it views as constitutional overreach, it is simultaneously establishing the broadest conception of presidential power in American history, which will permanently reshape executive authority. The rulings affect critical issues including immigration, trade policy, law enforcement, and the independence of federal regulatory agencies, with long-term implications for how the US government functions.

What's next

Trump has endorsed legislation to reinstate birthright citizenship limits, though the article notes Democrats would almost certainly block such efforts in the Senate, and even if passed, its constitutionality would be unclear.

Read full article from source: BBC