Time and again, challenges have emerged against former President Trump’s policies in court. In response, he has frequently sought emergency intervention from the Supreme Court to advance his agenda. More often than not, the justices, largely aligned along partisan divisions, have signaled a temporary green light, deferring the deeper legal debates for a later date.
That ‘later’ has arrived. The Supreme Court term commencing today is set to unleash ramifications that could span generations. As one prominent lawyer noted, it’s difficult to envision more significant challenges to presidential authority. While the court will tackle approximately 60 cases across various subjects throughout its term, the spotlight remains firmly on the scope of presidential power.
Key Cases Already on the Docket
The Supreme Court has confirmed it will hear several pivotal cases directly impacting presidential authority.
Tariffs. This November, the justices will hear arguments on whether the administration can impose taxes on imports by citing a 1970s emergency law. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), traditionally applied to international sanctions and embargoes, notably does not explicitly mention ‘tariffs’.
Independent Agencies. December will bring a review of the president’s authority to dismiss a Democratic leader from the Federal Trade Commission. This case challenges a nine-decade-old legal precedent affirming Congress’s right to shield independent regulators from politically motivated removals.
The Federal Reserve. A crucial question: Can President Trump remove Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor he accuses of mortgage fraud? While the Fed operates independently to insulate economic policy from political influence, the president can dismiss its leaders for ’cause.’ The debate centers on whether Trump’s unproven allegations, which Cook’s lawyers describe as unsubstantiated, constitute such cause.
Upcoming Cases to Watch
Beyond the confirmed cases, there are other critical issues the justices have yet to formally accept but will likely need to address in due course.
Birthright Citizenship. The president’s executive order declaring that U.S.-born individuals are not automatically citizens if their parents lack citizenship is set to challenge over a century of legal precedent and redefine American identity. Having faced setbacks in lower courts, the White House has formally requested the Supreme Court’s intervention.
More Challenges to Trump’s Authority. Additional pending cases raise these fundamental questions:
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Can the president unilaterally overturn congressional spending mandates?
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Is an 18th-century wartime statute a valid basis for the president to deport immigrants accused of belonging to a Venezuelan gang?
Other Landmark Decisions Expected
The court’s most impactful deliberations extend beyond the separation of powers. Here are other significant cases the justices are scheduled to hear:
Conversion Therapy. Arguments are set to begin tomorrow in a case challenging Colorado’s 2019 ban on therapists counseling minors to alter their sexuality or gender identity. A Christian therapist initiated the legal challenge.
Transgender Athletes. The court will also address state laws from Idaho and West Virginia this term, which prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports teams.
Redistricting. A critical question before the justices is whether states can consider race when redrawing congressional districts to ensure equitable representation for Black Americans. This builds on a case from Louisiana last term, with the court now deliberating on potentially overturning a core provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Voting by Mail. The court will hear arguments on whether a federal elected official can legally challenge a state’s practice of counting mail-in ballots received post-Election Day. A successful challenge by an Illinois Republican congressman could pave the way for broader restrictions on mail-in voting.
My colleague Abbie VanSickle and I have further explored these cases and the insights of legal scholars.
Breaking News
Government Shutdown Update
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The government shutdown has reached its sixth day. Yesterday, Trump reiterated his controversial threat of widespread federal worker dismissals.
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Republicans maintain a largely passive position, while Democrats prepare for a prolonged battle, with both parties confident in their political standing, according to Annie Karni.
Developments from the Trump Administration
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated on CNN that federal agents were attempting to instigate a ‘war zone’ in Chicago, presumably to justify deploying additional troops.
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Two Chicago residents, one of whom was shot by federal agents, have been charged by federal prosecutors with using their vehicles to ‘assault, impede, and interfere with the work of federal agents’.
Middle East Developments
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Delegations from Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. are currently in Egypt for discussions focused on achieving a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
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Both Israel and Hamas have expressed willingness to proceed with former President Trump’s cease-fire proposal, though substantial disagreements persist.
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While Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed personal credit for the peace initiative, Isabel Kershner reports that it was clear former President Trump largely directed the process.
Business News
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Several of Britain’s most prominent brands have been hit by cyberattacks this year, causing widespread disruption and hardship for customers, employees, suppliers, and government agencies alike.
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Over 500 Costco stores are preparing to stock the popular weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy.
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Japan’s currency experienced a sharp decline, while its stock market surged, following the ruling party’s unexpected selection of Sanae Takaichi, a pro-stimulus conservative hard-liner, as its new leader.
France in Focus
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Sébastien Lecornu, France’s third prime minister within a single year, unexpectedly resigned less than 24 hours after forming his cabinet.
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Gisèle Pelicot is back in court today for the appeal hearing of one of the many men convicted of raping her while she was incapacitated by drugs. Details on the case are available.
Additional Major Headlines
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Three scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discoveries concerning the immune system.
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Hundreds of climbers and trekkers have become stranded on Mount Everest due to heavy snowfall.
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Devastating landslides and floods have claimed the lives of at least 40 people in Nepal.
Opinion Pieces
In a powerful visual essay by Ofir Berman and Sarah Wildman, five families awaiting the return of hostages from Gaza share the rituals that help them maintain a profound connection with their missing loved ones.
John Fabian Witt argues that the U.S. has navigated periods of national division and weak presidencies before, noting that the last such era didn’t dismantle democracy but instead ushered in the New Deal.
Also, find columns by David French discussing forgiveness, and Margaret Renkl on efforts to preserve a local book festival.
Morning Must-Reads
Modern Moo-vement: Forget cowbells, cows are now sporting high-tech collars!
Sunken Treasure: Over $1 million in gold and silver coins has been salvaged from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck by determined treasure hunters.
Celestial Spectacle: This month, the night sky will be graced by two visible comets. Learn how you can spot them.
Fashion Forward? Following a rather absurd debut show, Vanessa Friedman poses the question: Can fashion still truly be provocative?
A Sculptor’s Legacy: James Grashow, renowned for his monumental yet ephemeral corrugated cardboard sculptures, including a vast replica of Rome’s Trevi Fountain, has passed away at 83.
Sports Highlights
NFL Action: Last night saw the final undefeated teams suffer losses, with the Denver Broncos defeating the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots triumphing over the Buffalo Bills. Catch up on all the key takeaways from Week 5.
MLB Playoff Update: The New York Yankees are on the brink of ALDS elimination after a 13-7 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners leveled their series against the Detroit Tigers with a 3-2 victory.
WNBA Finals: The Las Vegas Aces now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, fueled by Jackie Young’s impressive 32-point performance.
Architecture & Design
This autumn marks the highly anticipated opening of three major projects by architect David Adjaye: the Princeton University Art Museum, the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, and the Studio Museum in Harlem.
However, public reception may be muted this time. Over two years after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, these institutions appear to be distancing themselves from Adjaye, and his attendance at opening events remains uncertain, as reported by Alex Marshall. Adjaye has consistently denied these accusations.
More from the Culture Beat
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Taylor Swift’s “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” an 89-minute promotional film for her new album, garnered an estimated $33 million in ticket sales across U.S. and Canadian cinemas this past weekend.
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Bad Bunny took the stage as host for the season premiere of “S.N.L.”
Our Morning Recommendations…
Whip up delicious California rolls from the comfort of your kitchen.
Discover the convenience of built-in bra tops. (Though, a heads-up, visible bra straps are also making a comeback!)
Gift the coffee enthusiast in your life something special to elevate their daily brewing experience.
Brain Games
Challenge yourself with today’s Spelling Bee. Yesterday’s pangram was genotype.
Also, dive into today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections, Sports Connections, and Strands puzzles.
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Thank you for joining us this morning. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Claire Moses contributed to this edition.
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