Justice Samuel Alito defends court’s independence

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito expressed concern during recent interviews that there is a coordinated effort to intimidate the court and its justices. Speaking to CBS and Fox at the start of the 2026-2027 Supreme Court term, Alito said these efforts attempt to influence how justices decide cases.

He noted that rhetoric from elected officials can be damaging, stating that both the Biden and Trump administrations have used harsh criticism when they are unhappy with court decisions. Alito described the court as a fundamental pillar for protecting the constitutional system.

These interviews coincided with the release of his book, "So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country."