As President Trump charges ahead with his second-term agenda, he’s facing more roadblocks than a marathon runner in a hurdle race. Washington is buzzing with judges striking down his executive orders faster than he can tweet about “fake news.” It’s almost like they’re playing whack-a-mole with his initiatives. The latest episode features Judge Anna Reyes, an appointee of the current administration, who blocked the order barring transgender individuals from serving in the military. According to her, denying these individuals is unconstitutional, and she seems committed to making sure everyone, regardless of identity, gets a shot at serving Uncle Sam.
Meanwhile, Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, is likely pulling his hair out over the number of judges playing commander-in-chief with military decisions. How many judges does it take before one decides it’s okay for octogenarians or paraplegics to serve in the Marines? This kind of court intervention is almost comical, if it weren’t so frustrating for those trying to enforce the president’s policies.
In an intriguing twist, another judge, appointed by former President Obama, blocked efforts to shut down USAID. That’s two for two if anyone is keeping score. It’s becoming a spectacle with judges swooping in like buzzards, eager to take a swipe at the administration’s winged ambitions. President Trump assured the nation of an appeal, but with the courtroom traffic jam, one wonders if he’s started the appeal list in alphabetical order or by sheer urgency.
Adding to the developing judicial saga, another judge pumped the brakes on the EPA’s attempt to repeal climate grants. Imagine the frustration as these orders are snatched away like candy from a baby, only this candy costs $20 billion. For some perspective, that’s more zeros than the number of judicial interventions the 20th century ever saw combined. Makes one wonder what exactly happened to executive privilege or authority—or good old common sense, for that matter.
With judges seeming more involved in national security decisions than the actual elected officials, one could speculate what’s going on behind the gavel. Chief Justice John Roberts might have a word with this crowd, given his stance on judicial independence. After all, when judges start rerouting planes in mid-air, chucking deportations, and reversing the President’s orders, you have to question who’s minding the store. It’s anyone’s guess as to how this will all unfold, but for now, it seems like the courts are enjoying the spotlight, ruling the executive branch’s hands tighter than a jar of pickles. There might be more to chew on here than a dog with a bone.
