The Supreme Court has concluded a momentous week with a series of rulings that will reshape executive power and election laws across the United States. These decisions, spanning from agency leadership to mail-in ballots, mark a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and other government entities.
In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, the Court ruled that the president can dismiss leaders of independent agencies or commissions, overturning a 90-year precedent. This decision stems from the White House’s removal of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, setting a new standard for executive authority.
The Supreme Court’s impact on executive authority
The Court’s rulings have far-reaching consequences for the executive branch’s power. In a landmark decision, the justices ruled that the president can remove leaders of independent agencies, a move that ends nearly a century of precedent. This ruling came in the case of Trump v. Slaughter, following the dismissal of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter.
Additionally, the Court refused to review a 2026 New York jury verdict that found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E Jean Carroll and then defaming her. The justices did not provide an explanation for their decision, leaving the verdict intact. This ruling has significant implications for future defamation cases involving public figures.
In another notable decision, the Court sided against national Republicans and the Trump administration to allow mail-in ballots that arrive after election day to be counted. This ruling upholds the law in more than a dozen states and is seen as a surprise after other Supreme Court decisions this term have upended election processes.
The Court also refused Trump’s attempts to immediately fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, limiting the president’s authority over the central bank. In a 5-4 opinion, the justices ruled that Cook can remain in her position while she fights unproved allegations of mortgage fraud made by Trump officials.
Key political developments and statements
Donald Trump has been active on his Truth Social platform, sharing an image of a golden eagle as a gift for the White House in its 250th Birthday Year. The eagle in the photo, which holds a crest and 11 stars, appears to be hung on the columns of the White House’s exterior.
Republican representative Max Miller of Ohio criticized American Airlines for delays that caused him and two other congressmembers to miss votes at the House. Miller wrote on social media, ‘Hey @AmericanAir, three members of Congress will miss votes tonight because of your incompetent airline.’ American Airlines later responded, expressing regret for the delay and assuring that their ground team was working to resolve the issue.
The US House of Representatives approved legislation that would require online platforms to provide safeguards for children. The Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS) received a 267-117 vote with support from both sides of the aisle. The legislation aims to protect children from harms such as sexual exploitation and limit addictive features on platforms used by minors.
Acting secretary of labor Keith Sonderling expressed his gratitude to President Trump after receiving his nomination for the permanent role at the Department of Labor. Sonderling wrote on Monday, ‘Serving in both of President Trump’s Administrations has been the greatest honor of my life.’ He added that he looks forward to continuing his service as Secretary of Labor if confirmed by the Senate.
Donald Trump urged gasoline retailers to lower their prices, warning of ‘big problems’ if they failed to comply. He wrote on Truth Social, ‘They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south.’ Trump suggested that retailers should start setting prices at around $2.50 a gallon, noting that gas prices fell on Monday for the fifth consecutive week.
Trump also authorized the temporary suspension of certain duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from the Kingdom of Morocco to meet agricultural demand in the United States. The White House stated that this move is imperative to facilitate the importation of phosphate fertilizers and safeguard the economic and national security of the United States.
The Supreme Court’s financial disclosures
The Supreme Court justices have reported various sources of outside income and gifts. Sonia Sotomayor reported $88,100 in royalties from Penguin for her children’s books and received concert tickets valued at $4,333. Ketanji Brown Jackson reported a $1.18m book advance in 2026 from Penguin Random House. Amy Coney Barrett earned $849,071 in book royalties and $33,285 in teaching income from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Brett Kavanaugh also reported earning $33,285 from his appointment as adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School. John Roberts received $25,000 from New England Law and disclosed a payment for teaching a course in Galway, Ireland. Clarence Thomas received $18,000 from teaching at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Neil Gorsuch reported $30,380 in teaching income and $361,000 in book royalty income. Samuel Alito was granted a 90-day extension to file his financial disclosure report.
In other news, Donald Trump stated that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool has been ‘in full operation’ for the past two days after it was damaged by ‘sharp knives and muscle.’ He announced that about 70 renovated monuments, statues, and fountains in Washington DC are under security surveillance, with penalties of up to 10 years in jail for any attacks.
Michael Watson, the Mississippi secretary of state, expressed his support for the Supreme Court’s ruling on mail-in ballots, emphasizing the importance of federalism and state rights. He stated that the ruling confirms that election policy is a decision to be made by Congress or state legislatures.
Amid a series of wins for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) party during the primaries, Donald Trump called the party ‘a big threat to our nation,’ comparing it to historical threats such as World War I, World War II, and September 11th.
Trump also expressed uncertainty about signing a landmark bipartisan housing bill, calling it a ‘big yawn’ compared to the SAVE America Act. He acknowledged that the housing bill probably won’t happen due to opposition from several GOP senators.
