This SCOTUS decision could hamstring Trump’s rule-busting agenda

By Jean Chemnick | 01/28/2025 06:24 AM EST

The court’s reversal on granting deference to agencies was seen as a blow to climate regulations. It could also complicate the president’s plans to undo them.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels to Miami on Saturday. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

President Donald Trump and his allies anticipate that a landmark Supreme Court decision last year will help them slash regulations.

But experts say it could hinder Trump’s plan to roll back climate rules, rather than help.

The high court’s decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo reversed years of legal precedent that gave federal agencies the benefit of the doubt in interpreting laws when Congress’ intent was unclear from the text. The decision puts an end to that precedent — called the Chevron doctrine — effectively making the courts the final arbiter in deciphering fuzzily written statutes.

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The Supreme Court’s June decision could create almost as many stumbling blocks for conservative administrations as for liberal ones, according to several experts.

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