The Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump's firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook was unconstitutional, in a landmark decision limiting presidential authority over the central bank. The court stated that Trump lacked the constitutional power to remove a Fed governor without cause, marking a significant victory for the central bank, which has faced White House pressure over the past year.
Separate Ruling Expands Presidential Power Over Agencies
In a contrasting decision, the justices ruled that Trump can fire leaders of independent agencies or commissions, overturning 90 years of precedent that restricted executive power. This case centered on Rebecca Slaughter, whom Trump dismissed as Federal Trade Commission member in March last year via email, citing inconsistency with the administration's priorities.
Trump Loses Bid to Overturn E. Jean Carroll Verdict
The court dealt Trump another defeat by refusing to hear his appeal to overturn a $5 million verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll. A jury had found Trump liable for sexually abusing the former magazine columnist and then defaming her. The 2023 verdict and civil judgment remain in place, with the high court issuing a brief, unexplained order and no noted dissents.
Mail-In Ballot Law Upheld
The Supreme Court sided against national Republicans and the Trump administration, upholding laws in more than a dozen states that allow mail-in ballots arriving after election day to be counted. The Republican National Committee had challenged a Mississippi law permitting ballots received within five business days of election day if postmarked by election day. Liberal justices cited federal laws allowing grace periods and noted implications for early voting.
CNN Defamation Lawsuit Rejected
The court refused to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN filed by attorney Alan Dershowitz. Dershowitz claimed CNN aired only a portion of his remarks made while defending Trump during the 2020 impeachment, distorting his meaning. The network argued multiple outlets interpreted his remarks similarly, and Dershowitz failed to show intentional mischaracterization. The court declined the case without explanation.
Geofence Warrant Case Sent Back
Finally, the Supreme Court threw out a lower court decision involving a Virginia man's challenge to a geofence warrant used by police to access cellphone location data near a crime scene. Defendant Okello Chatrie argued the warrant constituted an illegal search, and evidence from it should be excluded. The court agreed a search occurred but sent the case back for further analysis.
