politics
April 3, 2026
Courts keep ruling against Trump. But they can’t save our democracy singlehandedly
Decisions on the White House ballroom, public media and journalists’ access to the Pentagon are heartening. But restoring our institutions is up to us
TL;DR
- President Trump's appearance at the Supreme Court during a 'birthright citizenship' case highlights a disregard for the separation of powers.
- Lower courts have issued several rulings against Trump's administration, including cases on White House construction, executive orders on public broadcasting funding, and reporter access to the Pentagon.
- These rulings are seen as a defense of the rule of law and a check on presidential power, preventing 'bad things from happening' and demonstrating that Trump is not an 'invincible autocrat'.
- While court rulings are crucial for ensuring fair elections, they are insufficient on their own to protect democracy against a leader who may not honor constitutional law.
- The example of the public media funding ruling shows that even when courts rule in favor of the law, practical outcomes can be diminished by other factors, such as congressional action.
- The article emphasizes that protecting democracy and the rule of law ultimately depends on an engaged citizenry's willingness to vote and restore institutions.
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