Trump officials create uncertainty to evade court orders rather than comply

Recalcitrance appears to be product of Trump White House's maximalist interpretation of executive powers

Faced with a flurry of adverse court orders it would rather not follow, the Trump White House is increasingly deploying a strategy of claiming or even manufacturing its own uncertainty to dodge their effects without appearing to outright defy them.

The Trump administration has faced several major legal setbacks in recent weeks, most notably in its efforts to deport illegal immigrants without due process under the Alien Enemies Act or in spite of protective orders.