President Trump attacks the Supreme Court after the justices block mail-in ballot restrictions ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
Trump criticised several of the justices he appointed during his first term, accusing the court of allowing political pressure to influence its decision.
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to allow a new US Postal Service rule requiring tighter procedures for mail-in ballots to take effect before the midterm elections. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.
The rule followed an executive order signed by Trump in March. It sought to require states to provide voter lists to the Postal Service and introduced additional requirements for mail-ballot envelopes.
Trump, who appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, described the ruling as “horrible” and “highly political” in a post on Truth Social.
He also accused some members of the court of being unwilling to resist pressure from Democrats, while arguing that the decision could hurt Republican efforts ahead of the midterm elections.
However, Kavanaugh joined the majority while indicating that the administration’s proposed rule could potentially be considered lawful under different circumstances. He said there was not enough time for state and local election officials to implement the requirements reasonably before the November election.
Trump’s Attorney General, Todd Blanche, defended the president’s criticism, saying Trump was frustrated and had the right to raise concerns about the court. Blanche also said the administration would comply with the ruling.
The dispute has become part of a wider legal and political battle over mail-in voting ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump has repeatedly questioned the security of mail ballots, although election officials and voting-rights groups say the system remains an established part of US elections.
The Supreme Court ruling does not end the broader legal disputes surrounding Trump’s executive order, but it prevents the contested Postal Service restrictions from being implemented for the upcoming midterm elections.
