The U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term this month with several cases that could redefine the scope of presidential authority under President Trump. The Court will weigh questions surrounding tariffs, control over federal agencies, and the president’s power to remove officials from independent commissions—issues that could reshape the balance of power in Washington.
A conservative majority currently dominates the Court, giving President Trump a potential advantage as he seeks to strengthen executive control. Since returning to office, his administration has relied on emergency applications to advance major policy changes involving immigration, trade, and federal workforce reforms. Many of those temporary victories will now face full review in arguments scheduled throughout the coming months.
Among the most closely watched disputes is the challenge to Trump’s authority to impose broad tariffs under a declared national emergency. Another case will test whether the president may remove members of independent regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, without congressional approval. Legal scholars view this as a direct challenge to the long-standing Humphrey’s Executor precedent, which limits executive interference in certain agencies. A separate case involving Trump’s removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook raises further questions about presidential influence over monetary policy.
Constitutional experts note that these cases could have far-reaching consequences beyond Trump’s administration. Expanding presidential control over agencies could dismantle large portions of the modern administrative state, while tighter judicial limits would reinforce congressional oversight and bureaucratic independence.
