The Trump Cases That Stand to Redefine Presidential Power | WSJ

Presidential Power & Legal Challenges - The report highlights President Trump's expansive view of White House power and the numerous lawsuits (over 400) challenging his authority in federal courts [1][2] - The core argument across these cases is that Trump has overstepped his constitutional authority [1] - Trade policy, particularly the imposition of tariffs by declaring a national emergency, is a significant early test of presidential power at the Supreme Court [2][3] - Courts are scrutinizing Trump's definition of an emergency and whether the administration's response is authorized under the law across various instances, including trade, sanctions, and deployment of National Guard troops [3][4] Immigration Policy & Constitutional Interpretation - The administration's aggressive deportation policy, utilizing the Alien Enemies Act, is facing legal challenges regarding due process for non-citizens [4][5] - The executive order denying American citizenship to children of illegal immigrants and temporary visitors is reinterpreting over a century of precedent regarding the 14th Amendment [6][7] - The Supreme Court's ruling on the birthright citizenship case could significantly impact the ability of federal judges to block Trump administration policies nationwide [7] Executive Branch Authority & Agency Independence - The administration's efforts to hollow out government agencies, like the Department of Education, are being challenged as an overreach of presidential authority and a violation of Congress's power [8][9] - Critics argue that the administration's actions could allow it to undo any laws it dislikes by simply firing the people who carry them out [10] - The attempt to extend control over independent government agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve, is facing scrutiny, with the Supreme Court signaling the Fed enjoys more protections from presidential intervention [11][12][13] Long-Term Implications - These cases collectively involve fundamental questions about the power of the presidency and its relationship to other branches of government and the Constitution [13] - The outcomes of these cases could define the parameters of White House authority for decades [14]