Tell Congress, Investigate and Expand the Supreme Court
To Members of Congress:
We, the undersigned constituents, urgently call on you to investigate the Supreme Court for election interference and enact comprehensive Supreme Court reform, including court expansion, to restore balance, integrity, and public trust in our nation's highest court. Recent decisions and ethical controversies have eroded confidence in the Court's impartiality and highlighted the need for immediate action.
July 1 Ruling on Trump's Immunity
On July 1, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along partisan lines that former President Donald J. Trump is entitled to some level of immunity from prosecution for official acts during his presidency, but not for private conduct. Withholding this decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts and supported by the conservative majority, until July 1 has effectively delayed Trump's trial on charges related to the 2020 election interference until after the 2024 election, raising serious concerns about justice and accountability.
The Influence of Trump-Appointed Justices
The Court's conservative majority, including Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—appointed by Trump—has significantly shifted the Court's ideological balance. These justices have been pivotal in decisions that have rolled back fundamental rights and protections, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade, weakening gun safety measures, and ending affirmative action in higher education.
Ethical Concerns and Corporate Influence
Ethical controversies have further marred the Court's reputation. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have faced scrutiny for failing to recuse themselves from cases involving significant conflicts of interest. Reports have highlighted their acceptance of undisclosed gifts and benefits from Republican donors, raising questions about their impartiality and integrity.
We demand that Congress:
- Immediately investigate the Supreme Court’s conduct and politically motivated role in election interference.
- Move to reform the Court to restore ideological balance and mitigate the impact of politically-motivated appointments.
- Implement a binding code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, with real enforcement mechanisms and consequences for violations.
- Strengthen recusal requirements and transparency measures to address conflicts of interest and undisclosed gifts or benefits.
- Reform the confirmation process to prevent partisan obstruction and ensure timely consideration of nominees.
The Court's recent decisions and ethical lapses have created a crisis of legitimacy. We urge you to take immediate action to reform the Court, restore its integrity, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.