A recent national survey shows that a large majority of American adults believe presidential administrations must follow federal court orders, even though a noticeable portion of president Donald Trump‘s most passionate supporters disagree. The results prove a clear public expectation that the executive branch should obey the judiciary laws, especially when the president’s actions face major legal challenges.
According to NBC, the poll found that an overwhelming 81 percent of adults in the United States think that if a federal court rules an administration’s action illegal, the administration must follow that decision. On the other hand, 19 percent believe an administration has the right to ignore such a ruling and continue with its plans. This is likely the MAGA supporters who see Trump as never doing anything wrong. However, not all groups share the same view.
What’s interesting is that when MAGA supporters were polled, there was a huge split between them. Within this group, opinions are evenly divided, with 50 percent saying the administration should follow federal court orders, while the other 50 percent believe the president can disregard them. This divide is much sharper than among other political groups. Democrats, for example, are almost entirely in agreement, with 96 percent saying the administration must obey court rulings.
Trump is losing control of MAGA’s opinion
Independent voters mostly match the national average, with 87 percent supporting compliance and 13 percent saying court orders can be ignored. These numbers show a major partisan divide on an issue that affects the balance of power in government. This is a big loss for the POTUS who spent the better part of his campaign wooing MAGA Americans to win their trust and votes.
The question of whether the White House can ignore federal court rulings has become more important because of the administration’s quick rollout of executive actions. One area where this has been tested is the administration’s deportation program. White House officials have openly criticized judges, with one deputy chief of staff claiming some judges were attempting a “judicial coup” by limiting presidential power.
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NBC NEWS POLLS
Americans overwhelmingly want Trump to obey court rulings, but MAGA Republicans are split
Eight in 10 respondents believe the Trump administration shouldn't ignore a federal court ruling the White House doesn't like.. pic.twitter.com/dq8fUFnXGM
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This comment came after a judge ordered the release of a student held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, showing the administration’s resistance to judicial oversight. Additionally, several federal judges have considered holding executive branch officials in contempt for what one judge called “willful disregard” of court orders, signaling serious concerns about the administration’s compliance.
A highly publicized case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia brought this issue into the spotlight. He was first deported to a prison in El Salvador, which the government initially called an “administrative error.” The case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ordered the administration to “facilitate” his return. Despite this clear directive from the nation’s highest court, the administration waited nearly two months before taking steps to bring him back.
Abrego Garcia was finally returned to the United States earlier this month, where he now faces federal charges related to human smuggling. This case highlights the difficulties and controversies surrounding the administration’s compliance with court orders.
