In an unwavering pursuit to enforce his controversial executive orders targeting major law firms, former President Donald Trump is not backing down, despite multiple district court rulings against him. These orders, which have been universally deemed unconstitutional by various judges, seek to penalize firms like Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey, which have opposed Trump in legal settings.

Yesterday’s news that the Trump administration is appealing the Jenner & Block case came as no surprise. This follows a pattern, as the Department of Justice had previously appealed the Perkins Coie case. The underlying motive, as analyzed by Matthew Wallin of Slate, appears to be less about legal victories and more about sustaining a political narrative. Trump's strategy seems to involve using the legal system as a platform for political advocacy, regardless of the potential for constitutional violations.

This approach is evident as Trump gears up to take these disputes to the Supreme Court, where he presumably expects a more favorable outcome from the justices he has appointed. The expectation is that the Supreme Court, despite its stature and responsibility, might entertain arguments previously unmade in lower courts or endorse the executive orders under new, perhaps unexpected, legal rationales.

The implications of this strategy are profound. It underscores a growing trend where legal norms and precedents are sidelined in favor of political gains. Critics argue that this not only undermines the rule of law but also politicizes the judiciary, eroding trust in its impartiality and independence.

As these cases inch closer to the Supreme Court, legal experts and observers are on edge. There is a non-trivial chance that the Court might side with Trump, which could have lasting effects on the legal landscape and the principle of checks and balances in the U.S. government. The outcome of these appeals will be crucial in determining the extent of executive power and the resilience of legal institutions against political pressures.