The Trump administration finds itself in a mounting legal battle as federal judges across the country continue to block various executive orders.
According to Just The News, the Department of Justice filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court on Thursday, seeking to limit the scope of nationwide injunctions issued by district court judges against its immigration policies.
Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris submitted three separate appeals challenging the temporary blocks on Trump's birthright citizenship order. The order, which directs federal agencies not to grant automatic citizenship to children of foreigners born in the U.S., has been halted by federal judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Washington.
The administration faces an unprecedented wave of nationwide injunctions, with more blocks issued in February 2025 alone than during the first three years of the Biden presidency. These judicial interventions have impacted various policy areas beyond immigration.
Judge Beryl Howell blocked the administration's attempt to revoke security clearances from the Perkins Coie law firm. Meanwhile, Judge Ana Reyes ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to retract statements about transgender military service, and Judge William Alsup mandated the reinstatement of thousands of fired federal employees.
The DOJ argues these broad injunctions compromise the executive branch's ability to perform its constitutional duties. Harris emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue before district courts' reliance on universal injunctions becomes further established.
The Supreme Court recently declined to fully intervene in a case involving USAID funds, ruling 5-4 against the administration while allowing lower court proceedings to continue. Justice Samuel Alito expressed strong dissent, stating:
Does a single district-court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the Government of the United States to pay out (and probably lose forever) 2 billion taxpayer dollars?
Vice President JD Vance and Senator Mike Lee have joined the discussion about the separation of powers. Lee suggests requiring a three-judge panel for nationwide injunctions rather than allowing single judges to block executive decisions.
Some lawmakers and Trump allies advocate for legislative intervention, citing Article III of the Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to establish and regulate lower courts. The Article III Project has begun drafting reform legislation targeting the DC District Court.
While some supporters call for judicial impeachment, such measures face significant hurdles. With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats, achieving the required two-thirds majority for removal seems unlikely without Democratic support.
Federal judges have expressed concerns about potential threats to judicial independence. U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Sullivan warns against using impeachment as a shortcut to overcome unfavorable rulings.
The Trump administration's Supreme Court appeal represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate over judicial authority and executive power. The DOJ seeks to establish clear boundaries for district courts' ability to issue nationwide injunctions. The situation has sparked discussions about potential reforms, from legislative solutions to constitutional challenges. As the administration continues to face judicial roadblocks, the resolution of these cases could reshape the relationship between federal courts and executive authority.
