Neil Gorsuch says he will stay independent after Trump's attacks
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · May 6
Neil Gorsuch says he will stay independent after Trump's attacks
12 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · May 6
In a rare ABC interview before releasing a children's book, the 58-year-old justice said criticism after the February tariff ruling reinforced the need for fearless judges.
Trump had branded Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett disloyal after they joined John Roberts and the court's liberals to strike down his global tariffs.
Gorsuch also warned personal attacks on judges are dangerous, lamented worsening political civility and said America's survival depends on each generation recommitting to democratic ideals.
Can civics books by justices truly restore public faith in a divided Supreme Court?
How will the Court's tariff ruling reshape the economic powers of future presidents and Congress?
Supreme Court at a Crossroads: Gorsuch’s Defense of Judicial Independence Amid Trump’s Tariff Ruling Backlash
Overview
In early 2026, the Supreme Court struck down former President Trump's global tariffs, ruling that he lacked constitutional authority without Congress's approval. This decision exposed divisions among conservative justices and triggered a budget crisis due to lost tariff revenue. In response, Trump launched harsh attacks on the justices, including his own appointees, demanding loyalty. These attacks prompted Justice Gorsuch to publicly defend judicial independence, emphasizing his allegiance to the Constitution and the importance of life tenure to protect impartiality. Meanwhile, an attempted assassination of Trump deepened concerns about declining civility. The resulting political turmoil eroded public trust in the Court and fueled widespread calls for reforms, which Gorsuch urged to approach with caution to preserve the judiciary's integrity.