For the first time since the 1990s, the Supreme Court's session extended into July, issuing landmark verdicts on LGBTQ rights, DACA recipients, and employer-provided contraception.
The Court left two of the most anticipated rulings for the last day of the session on Thursday.
These cases dealt with the availability of President Donald Trump's financial records, which he's famously concealed since his 2016 campaign. Though neither of the verdicts will lead to the immediate release of Trump's financial records, they're far from a victory for the President.
In Trump v Mazars USA, LLP, the court ruled that congressional subpoenas against the President are enforceable, but only if proven necessary for legislative duties. The congressional committees that issued the subpoenas for Trump's financial records will have to further justify them in lower courts. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said in a press conference after the ruling that they will do so.
In Trump v. Vance, the President's team more absurdly argued that—since the Justice Department will not indict a sitting President—Trump is above any criminal investigation whatsoever. The Court, unsurprisingly, ruled against him. New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance will have access to the requested records for use in ongoing litigation against Trump.
In both cases, Trump's own Supreme Court picks—Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh—ruled against him in the 7-2 decisions.
You can likely imagine how Trump reacted on Twitter.
The Supreme Court sends case back to Lower Court, arguments to continue. This is all a political prosecution. I won… https://t.co/0uE5fWPCIi— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1594305492.0
Courts in the past have given “broad deference”. BUT NOT ME!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1594305539.0
We have a totally corrupt previous Administration, including a President and Vice President who spied on my campaig… https://t.co/BAwXHYk967— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1594308913.0
....No Republican Senate Judiciary response, NO “JUSTICE", NO FBI, NO NOTHING. Major horror show REPORTS on Comey & McCabe, guilty as hell, nothing happens. Catch Obama & Biden cold, nothing. A 3 year, $45,000,000 Mueller HOAX, failed - investigated everything....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020
...Won all against the Federal Government and the Democrats send everything to politically corrupt New York, which is falling apart with everyone leaving, to give it a second, third and fourth try. Now the Supreme Court gives a delay ruling that they would never have given...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020
....for another President. This is about PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT. We catch the other side SPYING on my campaign, the biggest political crime and scandal in U.S. history, and NOTHING HAPPENS. But despite this, I have done more than any President in history in first 3 1/2 years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2020
POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1594311241.0
People couldn't help but point out that Trump's own selections thought the arguments of his team were insufficient.
Trump could not even get Gorsuch or Kavanaugh on Vance. THAT is how extreme his position were. Alito and Thomas are a disgrace btw— Jennifer Rubin (@Jennifer Rubin) 1594304131.0
Quite the concurring opinion from Kavanaugh and Gorsuch — "In our system of government, as this Court has often st… https://t.co/JTTkWqiq1H— Chris Megerian (@Chris Megerian) 1594304516.0
No, Donald Trump. You don’t get absolute immunity. Not even Kavanaugh and Gorsuch think so.— Steven Beschloss (@Steven Beschloss) 1594304870.0
It’s gonna kill Trump that both of his SCOTUS nominees ruled against him on his tax returns.— Daniel W. Drezner (@Daniel W. Drezner) 1594304287.0
The Twitter screed didn't do much for Trump's credibility.
wOmeN CAn'T bE prEsIdENt bEcAUse THeY juST tOo emoTionAL!!!1! https://t.co/Lw03FQPEug— Stonekettle (@Stonekettle) 1594308251.0
@realDonaldTrump What happened to Law & Order, honey?— The Lincoln Project (@The Lincoln Project) 1594311413.0
Dearest @realDonaldTrump - If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to worry about. xo https://t.co/CS92eGzmJ3— Ken Olin (@Ken Olin) 1594311513.0
If Trump loses a second term, he'll be susceptible to indictment should his financial records reveal criminal activity.
That motivation could play a role in his efforts to win in November.
Vance makes clear Trump is vulnerable to state and local legal actions, even if he pardons himself for federal crim… https://t.co/BVHTEJSnrr— Bill Kristol (@Bill Kristol) 1594311461.0