Justice Elena Kagan, a liberal member of the Supreme Court, recently defended her conservative colleagues against claims that they have simply approved President Trump's agenda. Speaking at a meeting of judges and lawyers, Kagan said the Court has stood up to the president in key cases. Her comments came as the Trump administration's Department of Justice issued new guidance expanding religious liberty protections. The guidance instructs federal agencies to consider religious liberty earlier in rulemaking, employment decisions, and grant awards, following recent Supreme Court rulings. Kagan's remarks and the DOJ action highlight the ongoing interaction between the Court and the executive branch. While some critics argue the Court has been too deferential to Trump, Kagan insisted that the justices have acted independently. The new religious liberty guidance is based on the Court's interpretation of previous laws and constitutional protections.