Supreme Court heads into new term with one eye on President Trump

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court begins its new term without President Trump as a central figure, but several Trump-related cases, including defamation, federal grant cancellations, and immigration policies, remain pending and may be decided soon.
• Key cases this term include a major Second Amendment challenge to AR-15 rifle bans, a significant climate change lawsuit involving fossil fuel companies, and a dispute over religious preschools' rights versus LGBTQ nondiscrimination policies.
• The Court is also addressing immigration issues tied to Trump’s policies, such as mandatory detention without bond hearings and deportation to third countries, which could have widespread implications.
• Despite past confrontations, Trump has expressed regret over his Supreme Court appointments, criticizing justices he nominated for ruling against him, while the justices have mostly refrained from responding publicly.
• With the midterm elections approaching, the Court may face election-related litigation, but experts suggest significant post-election cases are unlikely unless very close races occur.