Note: The following is a summary of the article "Supreme Court Rules on Nationwide Injunctions," originally published by the National League of Cities on July 16, 2025.
Universal or nationwide injunctions, court orders that block federal policies nationwide, were historically rare but have become more common in recent decades. The upward trend in the number of injunctions during both of President Trump’s administrations has drawn the attention of local leaders, who increasingly rely on the courts to clarify the impacts of administration actions on municipal operations.
The Trump v. Casa Decision
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Casa marked an important shift in the judicial approach to universal injunctions. This case arose from legal challenges to an Executive Order that sought to redefine birthright citizenship. The Court didn’t address the merits of that policy but focused solely on whether federal courts have the power to issue nationwide injunctions. In a 6-3 decision authored by Justice Barrett, the Court concluded that universal injunctions generally exceed the authority granted under the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Key points from the decision include:
- Historical Context: The Court emphasized that equitable relief must align with remedies available during the nation’s founding; there was no precedent for universal injunctions in 18th-century English or American law.
- Judicial Overreach: The Justices argued that issuing relief beyond the parties in a specific case goes beyond a district court’s authority.
- Emergence of Practice: The Court noted that universal injunctions only appeared in the mid-20th century, lacking deep historical roots.
Implications for Local Governments
For local governments, this decision narrows a previously relied-upon legal tool, as universal injunctions have been successfully utilized in halting federal mandates. As a result, recent lower court cases, such as California v. U.S. Department of Transportation, already reflect the impact of this decision, with courts tailoring injunctions to specific plaintiffs rather than issuing broad national bans.
Pathways Moving Forward
Given this judicial stance, local governments seeking relief from federal policies should consider adjusting their strategies:
- Engage in direct litigation as individual municipalities or in coordination with states.
- Consider class action lawsuits as a method to secure broader, collective relief.
- Consult legal counsel to explore tailored legal actions that remain viable within these new constraints.
With broad injunctions increasingly constrained, local governments must be ready to pursue more targeted and strategic legal actions.