The US Supreme Court has delivered a pair of rulings that cut both ways for Donald Trump. The justices ruled against the former president on two major fronts: his claim of absolute immunity from prosecution and his bid to block release of January 6 documents. But in a separate, arguably more consequential decision, the court significantly expanded executive power, making it easier for presidents to fire agency heads.
The conflicting judgments have sent a tremor through Westminster. British officials are increasingly anxious about the implications for transatlantic stability. One Downing Street source told me: 'We're watching these developments like hawks.
If executive power is unchecked, the next president could wreak havoc on trade, security, and democracy itself.' The immunity ruling is immediate. It means Trump can be prosecuted for his role in the Capitol riot.
The document release decision ensures a steady drip of damaging revelations. But the third ruling will have the longest tail. It fundamentally weakens independent agencies, including those overseeing financial markets and consumer protection.
In London, this is seen as a green light for a future president to gut regulatory bodies. The Foreign Office has been burning up the cable lines. They are preparing for a scenario where the US becomes an unpredictable partner.
For now, the official line is 'calm and measured response'. But behind closed doors, there is real worry. The special relationship is built on trust and shared rules.
Those rules are being rewritten. This is not just about Trump. It is about the architecture of US democracy.
And that matters to Britain more than most care to admit.
