separation of powers

President Trump and the Office of Management and Budget are accused of violating the separation of powers by attempting to unilaterally withhold funds that Congress specifically appropriated. Congress rejected some of Trump’s proposed budget cuts, but OMB is implementing them regardless.

A federal judge halted President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to create a federal voter list and restrict mail ballot distribution. The judge ruled the order unconstitutional, violating the separation of powers, and the decision applies to the 2026 midterm election cycle.

A federal judge halted President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at creating a federal voter list and restricting mail ballots, ruling it unconstitutional for violating separation of powers. The order, which would have directed the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to those on the list, was challenged by a coalition of states and blocked for the 2026 midterm elections. The judge denied the administration’s motion to dismiss the lawsuits, citing the urgency of the election cycle.

A federal judge permanently barred President Donald Trump's administration from implementing most of his executive order on elections, which included requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. The ruling cited constitutional authority for states and Congress to regulate elections and rejected the administration's argument that the lawsuit was premature.

The Justice Department refused to provide a sworn statement confirming the status of Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund, citing concerns about separation of powers. A federal judge was informed that compelling such statements from senior officials raises significant constitutional issues.

A New Mexico judge is considering a lawsuit challenging the state's universal childcare program expansion, which eliminated income caps and copays without prior legislative approval. Plaintiffs argue the process involved executive overreach, while the state claims lawmakers authorized and funded the policy. The program, financed partly by oil and gas revenue, faces sustainability concerns and could impact thousands of families and businesses if paused.