The Supreme Court has long played a vital role in evaluating executive actions and ensuring justice by interpreting the Constitution as the final arbiter of law. Currently, nine justices serve on the Court — six appointed by Republican presidents and three by Democratic ones.
Since the start of his term, President Donald Trump has faced legal challenges to several executive orders, many of which remain contested in court. One of the most controversial came on his return to the White House, when he signed an order redefining birthright citizenship. It claims children born in the U.S. would only gain citizenship if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen, directly challenging the 14th Amendment. If upheld, it would fundamentally alter a precedent upheld for over 150 years. However, federal courts have blocked its implementation, and the Supreme Court will likely have the final say.
Another legal battle involves the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — formerly the United States Federal Service — renamed by Trump through an executive order. He appointed tech billionaire Elon Musk to lead the agency, sparking controversy. Trump asserts that DOGE will cut government waste and reduce federal regulations, but critics claim it has led to mass layoffs and overreach of executive power. Lawsuits challenging DOGE’s legitimacy argue it should be classified as an advisory committee rather than a federal agency, a decision that could eventually reach the Supreme Court.
As the final check on executive authority, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in shaping presidential power. It has the ability to strike down executive actions that exceed Constitutional limits, with recent challenges to Trump’s orders — such as birthright citizenship and federal funding freezes — demonstrating its significance in defining presidential reach. Lower courts have already blocked several of these actions, setting the stage for Supreme Court review.
With increasing polarization, Americans question whether the Court remains impartial or if decisions are shaped by political ideology.
“Based upon what I know about the current Justices of the Supreme Court, I’m confident that they will read the law carefully and issue decisions that conform with our Constitutional heritage,” said government teacher Kevin McManamon. “I believe they want to be seen as providing Constitutional clarity and avoiding the perception of bias. Because our national politics have become very polarized, almost every decision they hand down will be viewed by some Americans as partisan… a trend that has been around for many decades.”
Despite these debates, the Supreme Court remains the ultimate authority in defining executive power, ensuring no president operates above the law.
