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.
People couldn't help but point out that Trump's own selections thought the arguments of his team were insufficient.
The Twitter screed didn't do much for Trump's credibility.
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.
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