A DBUNK user submitted a fact-check request on an AP article covering the legal challenges facing Donald Trump’s second term. You too can submit fact-check requests for free, and we’ll investigate and publish the results.
Breaking Down the Claims
The article by AP News suggests that Trump is repeatedly ignoring the law and pushing boundaries without consequence. While the reporting highlights valid legal battles, there are areas where context is lacking, and some claims border on speculation.
The Courts as a ‘Mere Speed Bump’?
The claim that Trump’s legal setbacks may be “mere speed bumps” rather than true barriers exaggerates the situation. While Trump has tested legal limits, past rulings demonstrate that courts have the power to halt policies they find unconstitutional. The judiciary remains a significant check, not an obstacle that can be simply dismissed.
Did Trump ‘Simply Ignore’ Laws?
The article states that Trump is “determined to expand the limits of his power — sometimes by simply ignoring the laws.” This framing makes an assumption rather than presenting a factual statement. Courts have blocked multiple executive orders, but appealing or issuing new versions of policies does not equate to lawbreaking. Previous administrations have faced judicial challenges on executive orders, and contesting rulings through legal means is not the same as ignoring the law.
The Role of Congress
The assertion that “the Republican-controlled Congress has essentially abdicated its role” is a broad generalization. While partisan gridlock is a concern, Congress has the ability to legislate against presidential overreach. Congress has, in recent years, failed to override vetoes or pass challenges to executive actions, but the institution itself has not outright abandoned its constitutional role.
The Supreme Court & Trump’s Influence
The piece highlights Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court and suggests that the justices have taken “an expansive view of presidential power.” While the court has ruled in ways that some interpret as favorable to Trump, the justices have also ruled against aspects of his policies. The portrayal of the court as largely aligned with Trump lacks context—cases are judged on legal precedent, not just political alignment.
User’s Question Answered
One of our DBUNK users asked: “How much power does Trump actually have if he can just ignore laws and push his agenda through, even when courts keep blocking him?”
The Constitution places limits on presidential power, and courts enforce those limits. While legal battles may delay or weaken challenges, no modern president can unilaterally bypass laws or court rulings without consequence. Court rulings can be appealed, and if a Supreme Court decision favors the administration, it is within the bounds of legal authority, not an outright disregard for the law.
Final Verdict
While the article correctly identifies legal battles involving the Trump administration, some claims overstate the implications, and at times, political bias influences the framing. The courts remain a powerful check on executive power, and legal rulings, even when appealed, hold significant weight. Instead of presenting speculative concerns about unchecked power, a more balanced approach would acknowledge the judicial process as an active constraint.
DBUNK keeps misinformation in check. Download our app and get fact-checked news instantly.
