A provision hidden within the Republican 'Big Ugly Bill' budget proposal, recently emerged from the House, aims to prevent federal courts from enforcing contempt citations for non-compliance with injunctions or temporary restraining orders. Critics, including legal experts, warn this measure would effectively neuter judicial power, allowing President Donald Trump to disregard court rulings without consequence and potentially ending American democracy.
A hidden measure in the Republican budget bill would crown Trump king
Donald TrumpUS CongressUnited StatesUS justice system
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A provision hidden within the Republican 'Big Ugly Bill' budget proposal, recently emerged from the House, aims to prevent federal courts from enforcing contempt citations for non-compliance with injunctions or temporary restraining orders. Critics, including legal experts, warn this measure would effectively neuter judicial power, allowing President Donald Trump to disregard court rulings without consequence and potentially ending American democracy.
Trending- 1 For months: Donald Trump has been trying to act like a king by ignoring court rulings against him.
- 2 Recently: The Supreme Court told Trump to 'facilitate' the return of Kilmar Ábrego García. Lower federal courts ordered Trump to stop deporting migrants without due process. Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order. Judge Paula Xinis demanded an explanation from the Trump administration.
- 3 May 23, 2025 (Thursday): Trump’s 'Big Ugly Bill' emerged from the House of Representatives, containing the controversial provision.
- Potential end of American democracy (as argued by critics)
- Elimination of judicial checks and balances on executive power
- Inability of courts to enforce their orders, rendering them meaningless
- Worsening of income and wealth inequality (due to the broader bill's effects)
What: A provision in the Republican 'Big Ugly Bill' budget proposal seeks to block federal courts from enforcing contempt citations, which critics argue would eliminate judicial restraint on President Trump.
When: The bill emerged on Thursday, May 23, 2025 (relative to article publication date). Trump has been ignoring court rulings for months.
Where: United States (specifically US Congress, federal courts). El Salvador (prison location for deported migrants).
Why: The provision's explicit purpose is to weaken the power of federal courts and allow the Trump administration to ignore judicial orders, thereby concentrating power in the executive branch and removing checks and balances.
How: The bill includes a specific clause: 'No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued…' This would render most existing injunctions unenforceable.