New Supreme Court Precedent Signals Major Shift

Donald Trump at the National Rifle Association Institute

A recent wave of Supreme Court decisions has bolstered President Trump’s legal position against his critics. In a unanimous ruling in National Rifle Association of America v. Vullo in late May, the Court found that government officials cannot misuse their authority to punish viewpoints they oppose. That decision is now reportedly impacting legal challenges to executive orders aimed at major law firms.

This precedent is reportedly impacting legal challenges to executive orders by reinforcing protections against government overreach. However, the ruling also strengthens arguments that such orders may infringe on free speech, bolstering Trump’s legal position against critics who challenge his policies or actions on similar grounds.

NRA Legislative Action Leadership Forum

Former New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo had been accused of pressuring insurance companies to cut ties with the NRA following a shooting. The Supreme Court ruled that such actions violated the First Amendment.

President Donald J. Trump at podium speaking

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Legal Director Will Creeley said, “Vullo has proved its utility almost immediately.” He added, “It is extremely useful to remind judges and government actors alike that just last year, the court warned against the kind of shakedowns and turns of the screw that we’re now seeing from the administration.”

National Rifle Association Annual Meeting

William & Mary Law School Constitutional Law Professor Timothy Zick said, “The unanimous holding in Vullo is tailor-made for litigants seeking to push back against the administration’s coercive strategy.”

Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach

Following the Vullo decision, federal judges have applied its principles to strike down Trump executive orders targeting law firms. Courts ruled the orders unconstitutional for punishing firms based on their legal representation.

Trump speaks at the Banks County Dragway

Judge John Bates wrote, “Executive Order 14246 does precisely what the Supreme Court said just last year is forbidden: it engages in ‘coercion against a third party to achieve the suppression of disfavored speech.’”

U.S. Supreme Court

Conservative First Amendment expert Eugene Volokh said, “Going into court with a decision that is freshly minted, that clearly reflects the unanimous views of the currently sitting Supreme Court justices, is a very powerful tool.”

President Donald Trump speaking on stage

The orders had restricted access to federal buildings and retaliated against firms representing clients critical of the Trump administration. The Trump administration has been accused of seeking control over affected entities.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Vice President JD Vance

However, legal experts have noted that the Court’s unanimous ruling offers a strong basis for challenging perceived abuses of power.

Jennifer White covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.