The start of 2026 has seen more harmful rulings and opinions by Trump judges across the country. Key subjects of these cases have included immigration, gun safety, discrimination, and executive power. 16 such rulings in January-February have harmed our rights and liberties, even as the Senate has prepared to confirm even more lifetime federal judges nominated by Trump.
Each case is summarized below, along with a link to the full People For the American Way blog entry on the decision and to the ruling itself. Such rulings demonstrate the importance to all of us of nominating and confirming fair-minded federal judges and the dangers posed by Trump-nominated judges.
IMMIGRATION
- Trump Judge Casts Deciding Vote to Disregard Evidence of Hardship to Children in Immigration Case
- Trump judge takes away the right to immigration bond hearings in the Fifth Circuit
- Trump Judge Deciding Vote Upholds Elimination of Congressionally-Approved Grant Program to Help Immigrants
- Trump Judge Casts Deciding Vote Preventing Release of Immigrant Advocating for Palestinian Rights
- Trump Judge Dissent Ridicules Ninth Circuit Immigration Decisions
LABOR AND WORKERS’ RIGHTS
- Trump Judges Allow Trump to Strip Many Federal Workers of Collective Bargaining Rights
- Trump Judge Casts Deciding Vote to Reject Family and Medical Leave Act Claim of Fired Employee
FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES
- Trump Judges Allow Unconstitutional Ten Commandments Displays in Public Schools
- Trump Judge Casts Deciding Vote to Stop Protester Protections in Minnesota
DISCRIMINATION
- Trump Judges Uphold Military Policy that Excludes HIV-Positive People with No Symptoms
- Trump Judge Casts Deciding Vote to Dismiss Suit Challenging State Treatment of Mentally Ill People
- Trump Judges Dismiss Race Discrimination Claim Against Airline
GUN SAFETY
- Trump Judges Vacate Conviction of Illegal Drug User for Possessing Firearms
- Trump Judges Strike Down California Open Carry Gun Law
