Federal judges across the U.S. block key parts of executive orders as legal battles escalate
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is facing a series of legal setbacks after a wave of federal court rulings blocked multiple high-profile policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), immigration, and elections. The decisions, issued between Wednesday night and Thursday, temporarily stall the implementation of several controversial executive orders. However, administration attorneys are already mounting appeals and taking cases to higher courts, including the Supreme Court.
DEI Crackdown Stalled
Judges in at least three jurisdictions halted Trump’s attempt to limit DEI initiatives in education. A federal judge in New Hampshire blocked directives from the Education Department that sought to eliminate any race-based practices in schools and demanded certification that states were not using what it called “illegal DEI practices.” Similar rulings came from courts in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
The rulings come ahead of a Friday deadline set by the Education Department for states to sign compliance forms. The judges criticized the administration for overreaching and potentially violating constitutional protections around equal treatment.
Election Policy Changes Rejected
In Washington, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked a Trump executive order that would have required proof of citizenship on federal voter registration forms. While other parts of the order, including tighter mail-in ballot deadlines, remain intact for now, the court emphasized that the Constitution assigns control of election law to Congress and the states — not the president.
Voting rights groups hailed the decision, while the administration signaled plans to continue pushing for nationwide voter ID requirements through legislative channels.
Immigration Policies Challenged
The Trump administration’s hardline immigration stance also suffered major legal blows:
- A judge in Colorado barred the government from deporting individuals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, specifically targeting members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
- Another ruling in Maryland ordered the government to bring back a man deported to El Salvador despite a pending asylum claim, calling the action a breach of a 2019 settlement agreement.
- In Texas, newly unsealed documents revealed that some migrants were given only 12 hours to contest deportation, despite the Supreme Court requiring “reasonable time” for legal challenges.
Separately, US Judge William Orrick in San Francisco blocked the administration from cutting federal funds to “sanctuary” cities. Orrick cited past precedent from 2017, calling the policy unconstitutional and suspending any defunding actions until the legal case is resolved.
Transgender Military Ban in Supreme Court Spotlight
The Trump administration on Thursday formally asked the Supreme Court to reinstate its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The request follows a federal appeals court’s decision to uphold a lower court ruling that blocks the policy nationwide.
Trump’s executive order claims that transgender identities are incompatible with military service. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender applicants, prompting multiple lawsuits from long-serving transgender personnel.
US District Judge Benjamin Settle of Washington state ruled in favor of plaintiffs, calling the ban discriminatory and contrary to the values of military service.
What’s Next?
With more than 170 lawsuits filed against Trump’s executive orders, these decisions represent only the latest round in a long legal battle. Appeals are already underway, and the Supreme Court is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of many of these disputes.
The Trump administration insists that its policies are constitutionally sound and necessary to strengthen national security, restore electoral integrity, and end “racially divisive” practices in education. Critics argue the moves are unconstitutional, discriminatory, and politically motivated.
As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes are on the appellate courts and the Supreme Court for the next chapter in these high-stakes cases.
Follow ongoing legal coverage at @ArabNews.
Categories: US Politics, Law & Justice, Civil Rights
Tags: Trump, DEI, Immigration, Voting Rights, Supreme Court, Sanctuary Cities, Transgender Rights, Alien Enemies Act
