Fact Check: Supreme Court limits federal judges' power with 6-3 decision.

Fact Check: Supreme Court Limits Federal Judges' Power with 6-3 Decision

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant ruling that limited the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a powerful legal tool that allowed judges to block executive branch policies across the entire country. This decision was made in a case concerning the Trump administration's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, which automatically grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. regardless of their parents' immigration status. The ruling was split along ideological lines, with a 6-3 vote favoring the limitation of federal judges' authority (NPR, NY Times).

The Supreme Court's decision effectively allows the Trump administration to enforce its executive order in states that have not challenged it, creating a potential patchwork of citizenship rules across the country. Legal experts noted that this ruling could lead to a significant increase in individual lawsuits, as individuals would now need to file separate lawsuits to challenge executive actions, rather than relying on a single nationwide injunction (Reuters, Roll Call).

Analysis

The ruling has been described as a "momentous" change in the judicial landscape, as it significantly narrows the scope of federal judges' powers to issue universal injunctions. Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia, highlighted that this decision expands executive branch authority while limiting the judiciary's role in checking that power (NPR). Critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, have expressed concern that this ruling represents a "terrifying step toward authoritarianism," suggesting that it could embolden future presidents to issue unconstitutional executive orders without fear of immediate judicial intervention (NY Times).

The sources cited are credible, with NPR and The New York Times being well-established news organizations known for their thorough reporting. The analysis from legal experts provides additional context, indicating that the ruling could lead to an overwhelmed court system as individuals seek to challenge executive actions through separate lawsuits (Reason).

Conclusion

The claim that the Supreme Court limited federal judges' power with a 6-3 decision is True. The ruling effectively curtails the ability of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions, thereby enhancing the executive branch's authority while constraining judicial oversight. This decision marks a significant shift in the balance of power between the branches of government, with potential long-term implications for executive actions and judicial authority.

Fact Check: Supreme Court limits federal judges' power with 6-3 decision.