While Democrats yelled and held protest signs, Trump's real obstacles sat quietly in the chamber

As Donald Trump delivered his speech, some Democrats booed, and nearly all Republicans cheered, but four figures in robes sat quietly. They are the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, representing an independent branch of power in the American government – the judiciary.

Although the justices politely acknowledged Trump as he approached the podium, they carefully avoided showing any sign of support throughout the president's record-breakingly long address to the joint session of Congress. Even as a Democratic congresswoman was ejected for refusing to remain silent, the justices remained stoic, neither applauding nor booing, as if a tranquil oasis in a political whirlwind.

However, these justices may ultimately be more effective at thwarting Trump's political ambitions than the irate Democrats. As Trump continues to test the boundaries of presidential power, the justices will be called upon to determine whether his actions are constitutional. The Supreme Court, while nominally an independent and co-equal branch of government, is inherently political in its composition.

Justices are nominated by the president and then confirmed by the Senate. Trump played a significant role in shaping the current Supreme Court, appointing three justices during his first term, including Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, who were present at his speech. These appointments have likely solidified a conservative "supermajority," and this influence could last for decades, as justices are appointed for life, enjoying job security that presidents cannot easily dismiss.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has reshaped America in significant ways. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion. In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that race could no longer be considered in university admissions. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents enjoy a certain degree of criminal prosecution immunity. All of these rulings have been viewed as victories for Trump, but the Supreme Court has not always sided with him.

The morning after Trump's speech, the Supreme Court issued a ruling against him. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling, ordering his administration to unfreeze foreign aid. The majority of the justices' votes followed political lines. The four Republican-appointed justices supported the Trump administration, and the three Democratic-appointed justices dissented. But two Republican-appointed justices, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, sided with their more progressive colleagues, handing Trump a setback.

This ruling effectively overturned one of Trump's many executive orders and demonstrates how the Supreme Court could become his ultimate obstacle. Other executive orders currently being challenged in court include his directives on strengthening White House oversight of independent watchdogs, ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and eliminating birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court's rulings will help define the limits of presidential power and may, in turn, determine the extent to which Trump can profoundly reshape America.

America's founding fathers designed the American system with checks and balances to prevent the emergence of a tyrant. While the president controls the executive branch and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Congress passes legislation and controls government funding. Last November, when Trump returned to the presidency, the Republicans also won back the Senate and maintained control of the House, albeit with a slim majority. Controlling both houses gives Trump a significant advantage in advancing his policy agenda.

However, this power may not last for long. The midterm elections next November will determine the fate of all House seats and one-third of the Senate seats. Historically, the opposition party tends to perform well in midterm elections as voters express dissatisfaction with the ruling party. This pattern was replayed during Trump's first term when the Democrats regained the House, and conversely during Biden's presidency.

Given this precedent, Trump has a limited window of opportunity to achieve significant legislative victories. Executive orders, while powerful, can be unilaterally overturned by the next president. With politicians likely to focus on fundraising and campaigning in 2026, this year represents Trump's best chance to enact major policy changes. For now, Democratic opposition may continue to take dramatic forms, such as the boos and protest signs seen during Trump's speech.

These displays may energize their voter base and generate social media buzz, but they do not offer a practical means of obstruction. Democrat-led states are working to counter Trump's agenda outside of Washington, but ultimately, much will depend on judicial rulings. Those four robed figures seated near the president during his speech may play a crucial role in determining whether Trump's so-called "American Dream" is truly "unstoppable," as he proclaimed in his address.