In a 6-3 ruling, Supreme Court justices weakened federal district courts’ authority and said lower courts cannot issue nationwide injunctions to block presidential executive orders|Andrew Bardwell|CC BY-SA 2.0

In a dramatic finish before summer break, the Supreme Court issued major rulings on Friday, siding with the Trump administration.

In a 6-3 ruling, the justices weakened the authority of federal district courts and stated that lower courts cannot issue nationwide injunctions to block presidential executive orders, giving President Donald Trump a win as he pushes to end birthright citizenship.

The case involved Trump’s January order denying citizenship to US-born children unless a parent is a citizen or legal resident.

The court returned the case to the lower courts but temporarily blocked enforcement for 30 days, with the conservative majority saying such injunctions likely exceed court authority. Critics say this violates the 14th Amendment. 

Court allows temporary opt-outs
In another 6-3 decision, SCOTUS ruled that parents may opt their children out of classes that conflict with their religious beliefs. 

The case stemmed from Montgomery County, Maryland, where parents objected to LGBTQ-inclusive storybooks. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, said the policy likely burdened religious freedom.

The school board had ended opt-outs, citing classroom disruptions.

ACA preventive care provision upheld
The court upheld a key Obamacare feature that ensures free preventive services for 150 million Americans. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh joined the liberals in the majority.

Adult website age verification law stands
The justices backed Texas law requiring age verification to access adult websites. Critics argued that it infringes on free speech, but the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that the law only incidentally limits adult expression.

Internet subsidy program preserved
In another 6–3 decision, the court upheld the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, which provides internet and phone access in rural areas.

Redistricting and Medicaid rulings deferred or upheld
The court postponed its verdict on Louisiana’s redistricting case to the next term. It also upheld South Carolina’s ban on Medicaid funds going to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services, allowing states more control over provider qualification.