Staff Reports
The Supreme Court is in the home stretch of its term, and the justices are keeping the country on edge. About two dozen big opinions are still pending. These rulings will touch presidential power, independent agencies, campaign money, mail ballots, school sports and even birthright citizenship. If you think the season is over, think again — the real fireworks are still on the docket.
The big cases still waiting
Presidential removal and agency power
At the top of the list are Trump v. Slaughter and Trump v. Cook. Both ask whether the president can remove officials at independent agencies without a special “for‑cause” rule standing in the way. That matters for the FTC, the Fed and nearly every multi‑member board Washington uses to run the country. If the Court sides with the White House, presidents will regain real control over policy and enforcement. If not, the administrative state keeps its protective moat — and taxpayers keep footing a bill for more rule‑making by unaccountable bodies.
Campaigns, ballots and culture battles
Money, mail and male athletes in girls’ sports
NRSC v. FEC could be the biggest campaign‑finance decision since Citizens United. The National Republican Senatorial Committee wants freedom to coordinate with its candidates without strangling caps. A ruling in their favor would loosen party speech and change how campaigns run. Watson v. RNC targets state “grace periods” that count mail ballots received after Election Day. If the Court accepts a single Election Day standard, many states may have to change fast — just in time for the midterms. And on culture issues, B.P.J. v. West Virginia will decide whether states can keep sex‑separated school sports for girls. Conservatives should hope the Court restores common‑sense protections for women’s athletics.
Timing and real‑world consequences
Why these opinions matter now
The Court usually finishes in late June, but opinions can drop any Thursday until the end. That timing is not academic. A broad win for the administration on removal could remake dozens of agencies overnight. A decision on mail ballots could alter vote counting rules in multiple states before voters head to the polls. Changes in campaign‑finance law will reshape how parties and committees operate. And a ruling on birthright citizenship would rewrite a constitutional rule relied on for more than a century. In short: these decisions won’t just sit in law reviews — they will change how Washington works and how Americans vote and compete.
Watch closely and prepare
The conservative case for clarity
The Court has the chance to rein in unchecked bureaucratic power, protect election integrity, and defend fair competition in sports and campaigns. Conservatives should want clear rules, not more Washington trickery. That said, the Court can surprise, and the press will manufacture drama either way. So stay alert, read the opinions when they come, and be ready to push for legislation or state action if the high court punts or splits. This term’s last act will matter for years — and we should treat it like the policy turning point it could be.
