Federal judges have documented numerous instances where the Trump administration defied court orders or bypassed established U.S. caselaw. Notable examples of this noncompliance involve immigration enforcement, unauthorized spending cuts, and dismissals of federal personnel.

Alien Enemies Act Deportations:

The administration deported over 130 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The government proceeded with the flights despite emergency legal orders temporarily halting the removals. A federal judge later ruled this violated due process rights and ordered the administration to facilitate their return to challenge their expulsion.

Immigration Expulsions:

In the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the administration deported an individual with protected legal status due to what it termed an "administrative error". Federal courts ordered the government to facilitate his return from El Salvador, but officials refused, claiming they lacked the authority to return him to U.S. soil.

Funding Withholds:

The administration repeatedly paused and redirected congressionally appropriated funds for school lunches, Medicaid, and housing subsidies. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting these freezes, which the administration actively sidestepped, prompting the judge to enforce compliance.

Mass Layoffs and Reorganizations:

During the dismantling of the Department of Education, the administration implemented mass layoffs and transferred functions to other agencies. Courts blocked these actions to protect federal grant funding and reinstated employees, but the administration found ways to circumvent the injunctions and sidestep federal court orders.