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7th Circuit Rejects Trump's National Guard Policy, Sparks Backlash

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against President Donald Trump's policy on deploying the National Guard in Illinois, signaling potential backlash from conservative lower court judges.
Slate staff writers Mark Joseph Stern and Dahlia Lithwick say the ruling reflects animosity toward the Supreme Court's treatment of lower courts.
Lithwick notes that the Supreme Court's arrogance undermines the fact-finding role of lower courts, leading judges to prioritize reality-checking over fact-checking.

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Story summary

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against President Donald Trump's policy on deploying the National Guard in Illinois, signaling potential backlash from conservative lower court judges.
Slate staff writers Mark Joseph Stern and Dahlia Lithwick say the ruling reflects animosity toward the Supreme Court's treatment of lower courts.
Lithwick notes that the Supreme Court's arrogance undermines the fact-finding role of lower courts, leading judges to prioritize reality-checking over fact-checking.