The Supreme Court handed down two blockbuster decisions today. The headline: a defeat for Trump on birthright citizenship. The subtext: a major expansion of presidential power. This is the court playing 4D chess.
First, the loss. The court struck down Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship. The vote was 6-3. The majority said the 14th Amendment is clear. You cannot rewrite the constitution with a pen. Republicans privately fuming. They thought this court would deliver.
But here is the twist. In a separate case, the court ruled that presidents have broad immunity for official acts. This is huge. It means Trump cannot be prosecuted for actions taken while in office. The court drew a line around the White House. Anyone crossing it does so at their own risk.
The decisions were released within hours of each other. This was deliberate. The court wanted to send a message. On policy, Trump loses. On power, he wins. The net effect is a presidency with fewer constraints.
White House sources are conflicted. Some see the citizenship ruling as a blow to their base. The immigration hardliners are furious. But the immunity ruling is a green light. Trump can act boldly. He is now effectively above the law for official acts.
Democrats are screaming. They say the court has created an imperial presidency. They will fight. But what can they do? Legislation is stalled. Impeachment is off the table. The court has spoken.
The timing is critical. Trump's approval has been sliding. The economy is shaky. His base needs wins. The citizenship loss will be spun as the court overreaching. The immunity win will be celebrated as protecting the presidency.
What happens next? Every reporter in DC is asking the same question. Will Trump test the limits? Will he fire officials without cause? Will he ignore subpoenas? The court has given him cover.
Backbench Tories are watching closely. They see parallels with Boris Johnson's troubles. The lesson: if you control the court, you control the game. And Trump's game just got a lot bigger.
This is Eleanor Rigby. I will be back with more leaks and analysis as the story develops.
