As election looms, Supreme Court reconvenes to new wave of Trump cases

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to start a new term on the eve of the midterm elections, with a fresh wave of legal challenges from President Donald Trump looming. Among the cases awaiting oral argument are a climate change lawsuit that could lead to billions in damages for energy companies, a debate over whether states can ban semi-automatic weapons, and the denial of federal ballots to voters who don't provide proof of citizenship.

The court will also consider the legality of religious schools receiving taxpayer-funded programs while discriminating against LGBTQ+ families, and the potential regulation of prediction markets. President Trump has personal appeals before the court, including a bid to invalidate a $83 million civil judgment against him and a request to revive a conspiracy claim against Hillary Clinton from the 2016 election.

The court, with a conservative supermajority, has often ruled in favor of Trump, but scholars argue that public perception does not match reality. The court has ruled against Trump on nearly every major policy priority, yet has been more deferential in other matters. Former Solicitor General Donald Verrilli asserts that the court is asserting its independence from the president, emphasizing that this is not a MAGA court.