When will the media finally figure out Trump? He's backing the court into the corner and forcing them to  confirm his accusation of the political motivation behind their opposition to the Executive Order. He's hopping that they'll rule in his favor just to prove him wrong on the judicial activism issue.  It's the only play he has left in a liberal  court.  Hence, he's hitting at their softest spot-their own perception of impartiality. And that really matters to judges. It's a basic negotiating technique. Besides, the polls are out and he has the majority backing his Executive Order. Either way, he can't lose on this issue.