Trump’s executive orders face wave of legal battles across US courts

Trump’s executive orders face wave of legal battles across US courts

US President Donald Trump is facing an unprecedented legal backlash, with more than 250 lawsuits filed against his executive actions in just over a year of his second term. The lawsuits span a wide range of policies—from immigration crackdowns and education funding freezes to workforce purges and trade tariffs—and have resulted in a patchwork of injunctions, appeals, and ongoing litigation that is shaping what the administration can achieve, the Washington Post reported.

Courts block deportations, refugee bans, and changes to birthright citizenship

The judiciary has placed major limits on Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda. Courts have temporarily halted the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Cameroonians and blocked deportations to El Salvador and South Sudan. Deportation attempts using the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act were rebuffed by multiple judges. The president’s ban on birthright citizenship has been blocked by three federal courts, and his order suspending refugee admissions remains partially in effect as it moves through appeals.

Harvard, law firms, and NPR challenge federal funding cuts and sanctions

Federal judges have intervened to stop the administration’s efforts to cut funding to elite universities such as Harvard and sanction prominent law firms. Trump’s actions against NPR are also under court review after the White House attempted to cut off federal support. In the case of Harvard, the courts temporarily blocked Trump’s move to bar international students from enrolling—a fight still ongoing in federal court.

Sweeping workforce changes face fierce legal opposition

Trump’s executive orders to downsize the federal workforce, fire thousands of probationary employees, and dismantle entire agencies like the Department of Education have drawn multiple lawsuits. While courts have permitted some firings, including commissioners and inspectors general, they have blocked mass layoffs at 22 agencies and limited the dismantling of departments such as USAID and Education.

Trump’s tariffs struck down by trade court

The Court of International Trade has blocked a 10 percent tariff imposed on all foreign products and struck down higher tariffs on imports from multiple countries. The decision marks a blow to Trump’s broader trade strategy, which relies on punitive tariffs as leverage in negotiations.

DEI programs and transgender policies under scrutiny

The Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has largely succeeded within federal agencies. However, courts have blocked efforts to strip funding from schools with DEI programs. Meanwhile, a divided Supreme Court allowed the administration’s ban on transgender troops to proceed, but other policies targeting transgender minors and athletes remain tied up in litigation.

New agency DOGE and Musk’s role raise transparency concerns

The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has prompted lawsuits from unions and public interest groups alleging violations of hiring and data transparency laws. Judges have issued mixed rulings—some granting preliminary injunctions on data access, others allowing continued operations while legal challenges unfold.

Legal outcomes may define Trump’s second-term legacy

While many of the court decisions are temporary, their final outcomes could significantly shape the trajectory of Trump’s presidency. The Supreme Court is expected to play a decisive role in resolving key disputes over executive power, immigration, and civil liberties. Until then, the Trump administration remains locked in one of the most litigious presidential terms in modern US history.