Judge rules Trump Administration's move to freeze federal funding at Harvard is illegal 
MSNBC·2025-09-03 23:20

Legal Challenges to Immigration Policies - A federal appeals court rejected Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, stating that engaging residents and citizens to enter the country illegally is not equivalent to sending an armed force [1][2] - The court ruling questions the president's authority to declare a national emergency based on immigration [3] - Trump's administration faced legal setbacks, including rulings against the use of military troops in Los Angeles and the imposition of tariffs [3][4] Judicial Review and Executive Power - Courts are acting as a check on executive power, ensuring adherence to legal limits [3][9] - The Trump administration has lost over 130 cases in district and appellate courts, highlighting the constraints on presidential power [16] - The Supreme Court may need to address the issue of executive overreach [2][12] Immigration Policy and Public Opinion - Trump's immigration policies are described as designed around cruelty and are politically unpopular [20] - The administration is accused of pursuing a quota-based deportation strategy, regardless of individual circumstances [22][23] - Public trust in the courts to uphold the law remains strong, especially with concerns about Congress's role [24] Constitutional Interpretation - The appeals court used an originalist interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, emphasizing historical context and language [12][25][26] - The ruling challenges the president's ability to declare a military emergency without sufficient justification [27] - The courts are seen as a critical safeguard against potential abuses of power [16][18]