The Odd Years SCOTUS' Starring Role in Trump 2.0
Dec 9, 2025
Josh Gerstein, a Politico reporter who covers law and politics, gives a front-row view of the Supreme Court's role in shaping presidential power. He walks through recent pro-presidential rulings, the rise of the shadow docket, and high-stakes cases on voting rights, redistricting, and campaign finance. Short, sharp takes on how court dynamics could reshape American politics.
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Conservative Majority Raises Odds But Votes Aren't Guaranteed
- A 6-3 conservative court raises odds for pro‑administration outcomes but justices still sometimes break with expectations.
- Gerstein points to Barrett and Gorsuch voting against predictable partisan lines on key cases.
Partisan Confirmation Wars Reduce Judicial Moderation
- Confirmation fights have narrowed justices' ideological variability; nominees are vetted to avoid mid‑career defections.
- Gerstein argues contentious confirmations and focused advocacy reduced chances for moderating justices like Souter.
Acting Prosecutors Create Backlogs And Political Risk
- Vacant judgeships and acting U.S. attorneys create backlogs and politicize prosecutions.
- Gerstein warns political appointees from the president's personal legal team can make selective-prosecution claims more credible and affect case priorities.