We are about to learn the reach and limits of Trump’s executive power, as the judicial system challenges his constitutionally questionable executive orders.

This past weekend, a federal judge from Seattle temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s travel ban of citizens of 7 majority Muslim nations. Technically, the judge issued a national “restraining order” against Trump’s executive order.

United States Senior Judge James Robart was appointed by President Bush and unanimously confirmed in the Senate in 2004. He ordered Trump’s travel ban to be suspended, which will allow Visa holders from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Libya to enter the country.

The order also suspends the ban on refugee admissions (including Syrian refugees) and the prioritization of Christian refugees. Trump’s Department of Justice has vowed to fight the block, but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has refused its request to reinstate the travel ban.

The Trump Administration accuses the judge of overreach and “second-guessing” Trump on national security. Trump himself took to Twitter to complain about the federal judge.

Clearly, Trump does not understand the balance of power in the United States or the function of the judicial branch, which exists to challenge unconstitutional laws enacted by Congress or the President. It remains to be seen, however, whether Trump’s order will withstand the courts or the patience of the American people.

Photo Credits: Flickr