Fact Check: Universal injunctions have exploded under Trump compared to previous administrations.

Fact Check: "Universal injunctions have exploded under Trump compared to previous administrations."

What We Know

Universal injunctions, also known as nationwide injunctions, are court orders that prohibit the enforcement of a law or policy across the entire country, rather than just against the parties involved in the case. A report from the Congressional Research Service indicates that between 2009 and 2023, a total of 90 such injunctions were issued, with 64 of those occurring during the first Trump administration (source-1). In contrast, the Obama and Biden administrations collectively faced 26 injunctions over a span of 12 years (source-2).

Historically, the use of universal injunctions was rare; only 27 were recorded in the 20th century prior to the Trump presidency (source-5). This dramatic increase in the issuance of universal injunctions during Trump's time in office has been noted by various legal scholars and commentators, who argue that this trend has significant implications for the balance of power among the branches of government (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that universal injunctions have "exploded" under Trump is supported by substantial data. The Congressional Research Service's findings show that 64 injunctions were issued against the Trump administration in just four years, which is more than double the total issued during the Obama and Biden administrations combined (source-1). This trend is corroborated by other analyses, which highlight that 15 nationwide injunctions were imposed against Trump in the early months of his presidency, compared to six during George W. Bush's presidency and 12 during Obama's (source-8).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their origins; the Congressional Research Service is a non-partisan legislative branch agency, and the data presented has been cited in various legal discussions and articles, indicating a consensus among legal experts on the rise of universal injunctions during the Trump administration. However, it is important to note that the framing of this issue can vary depending on the political perspective of the sources. For instance, some conservative commentators have criticized the use of these injunctions as a form of judicial overreach, while others view them as necessary checks on executive power (source-2).

Conclusion

The evidence strongly supports the claim that universal injunctions have significantly increased under the Trump administration compared to previous administrations. The data shows a marked rise in the number of such injunctions issued, reflecting a trend that has been noted by legal scholars and commentators alike. Given the historical context and the comparative analysis of injunctions across administrations, the verdict is True.

Fact Check: Universal injunctions have exploded under Trump compared to previous administrations.