On September 10, 2025, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by Missouri Republicans aimed at blocking a referendum against the state's newly drawn congressional map, which critics argue is gerrymandered to favor the GOP. U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone ruled that the lawsuit was premature and did not demonstrate the immediate harms necessary for federal intervention. This ruling allows the organization People Not Politicians (PNP) to proceed with submitting over 200,000 signatures to enable Missouri voters to decide on the new map. The judge noted that the Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, has the authority to reject the petition on constitutional grounds, which undermines the state's argument for urgent federal action. The dismissal represents a setback for the Missouri Republican Party, which has actively sought to obstruct the referendum effort that could challenge their partisan advantage in congressional representation.

In a separate case, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer ordered the Trump administration to end the deployment of approximately 100 California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, citing that their presence was maintained illegally after protests against immigration enforcement had subsided. This ruling requires the federal government to return control of the troops to California Governor Gavin Newsom, although the implementation is stayed pending an appeal. The initial deployment of about 4,000 troops was authorized by President Trump in June, despite opposition from state officials who argued that such military presence was unwarranted. The judge's decision highlights concerns regarding the use of military forces in domestic situations, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement, which has raised legal and ethical questions about the militarization of local law enforcement.

Additionally, on December 10, 2025, President Trump announced the launch of a 'gold card' program, allowing wealthy foreign nationals to obtain legal status in the U.S. by investing $1 million, while corporations must pay $2 million per foreign employee. This program is intended to replace the existing EB-5 visa program and aims to attract skilled talent from abroad. Critics may raise concerns about the implications of prioritizing wealth in immigration policy, as the program does not specify job creation requirements for corporations or limits on the number of visas issued. The announcement was made during a roundtable with business leaders, emphasizing the administration's focus on generating revenue for federal initiatives through this new immigration pathway.