Federal Judge Places Nationwide Hold on Trump Muslim Travel Ban

Temporary Restraining Order Means Trump Executive Order Completely on Hold

A federal judge has become the first to place a nationwide, temporary hold on President Donald Trump’s executive order that has been described as a Muslim travel ban on seven countries. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Washington State is the second to find Trump’s order may be illegal and believe the case will prevail on it merits once it goes to trial. A federal judge in New York also ruled in a similar manner earlier this week, but did not place a nationwide hold on the order.

“The Constitution prevailed today,” Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said, the Seattle Times reports. “No one is above the law — not even the president.”

Both judges were appointed by President George W. Bush, according to CNN.

The White House now faces its first co-equal branch face-off, and while the law requires Trump to obey the Washington court’s ruling, Trump has shown himself to be obstinate.

The White House has yet to respond. It can appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Some analysts believe the appellate court will uphold the lower court’s temporary restraining order.

The judge issued an oral ruling, a written ruling will be available this weekend. 

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.

Image by Fibonacci Blue via Flickr and a CC license