The Supreme Court’s Continuing Role in Undermining American Democracy: The 2025–2026 Term in Review - Center for American Progress

• Chief Justice John Roberts diverged from President Trump's agenda by upholding conservative legal principles over the administration's specific goals in two major Supreme Court cases. • The rulings focused on critical issues regarding tariffs and birthright citizenship, signaling a judicial boundary between the "Roberts Court" and the "Trump Court."

• The Biden administration has focused on adapting U.S. power to navigate a dangerous global landscape, though this strategy is facing internal criticism. • Progressives, as noted by Duss in a conversation with Ezra Klein, support the shift away from neoliberal economics but oppose the administration's heavy emphasis on competing with China.

• Members of Congress have adjourned for a weeklong July 4 recess while Senate appropriations negotiations remain stalled. • Lawmakers are currently deadlocked over key issues, specifically the topline spending figures for defense and non-defense programs.

• Former President Donald Trump considered reducing U.S. troop levels in Europe by one-third to pressure NATO allies. • The idea emerged during a White House meeting this spring after Trump expressed frustration that alliance members refused to join a military operation in Iran.

• South Korea has implemented a new law targeting "fake news" following a surge in online misinformation, including false claims of Chinese interference in the electoral system after the failed 2024 martial law attempt. • Under the new regulations, repeat offenders whose content is ruled illegal by the courts can face significant financial penalties of up to 1 billion won (€573,000).

• A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was set ablaze after being struck by a projectile, occurring as Iran observes mourning for Khamenei. • In Paris, an appeals court is currently ruling on the eligibility of far-right leader Marine Le Pen to run in the next presidential election.

• The Singapore Parliament is scheduled to hear a ministerial statement regarding the conduct of Workers' Party MPs Sylvia Lim and Faisal Manap. • In a separate session, Members of Parliament will discuss the current government policy concerning the public screening of Chinese dialect films.

• South Korean prosecutors have indicted the country's four major oil refiners, including HD Hyundai Oilbank, on charges of fuel price collusion. • The prosecution estimates that the anti-competitive behavior caused significant economic harm totaling approximately US$17 billion.

• The Delhi High Court ordered the restoration of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) X account on Tuesday, revoking a blocking order issued by the Central government. • The ruling follows a directive from the court for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) review committee to examine the case, allowing CJP founder Dipke to appear virtually.

• The Delhi High Court has ordered the Central Government to restore the X account of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital outfit. • The account was withheld in India on May 21, shortly after the group launched on May 15 following controversial remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed their commitment on July 7, 2026, to keep the Malacca and Singapore Straits open for international shipping under UNCLOS. • Singapore's Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, emphasized the ongoing expansion of collaboration between Singapore and China to develop global solutions.