In a historic Supreme Court ruling, Donald Trump is set to return to the White House with broad immunity protections, effectively shielding him from life imprisonment and allowing potential further influence over the judiciary. Trump’s return to office means he could cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court for a generation, especially if senior justices like Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel Alito, 74, choose to retire during his term, knowing their successors would maintain their judicial philosophy.
According to law professors like Christopher Peters and Steven Schwinn, there’s a strong possibility that Thomas and Alito could step down quickly, particularly before the 2026 midterms when Republicans might lose Senate control. Trump’s ability to appoint justices aligns with the 6-3 conservative majority established in his first term.
The July Supreme Court ruling granted Trump broad immunity from prosecution for official acts taken while in office. The decision has impacted ongoing cases, including Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump’s alleged election interference in 2020. Although Trump can still be pursued for unofficial acts, the immunity ruling has raised concerns about potential abuses of presidential power, with Schwinn warning it could offer a “roadmap” for engaging in illicit behavior while protected from consequences.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced strong opposition, suggesting the ruling places the president “above the law.” Constitutional scholars like Georgetown’s Steve Vladeck also noted that while the Supreme Court checked Trump’s power at times during his first term, its diminished public trust and ethical controversies may weaken its authority should Trump ignore future unfavorable decisions.
