NewsCBS News PoliticsMay 5, 2026United States
Justice Gorsuch Responds to President Trump's Comments on Judicial Loyalty
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch stated in a CBS News interview that his loyalty lies with the Constitution rather than the president who appointed him. The comments follow public criticism from President Trump regarding the Court's recent rulings on tariffs and executive orders.
Read the full story at CBS News PoliticsWhy It Matters
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches regarding the independence of federal judges and the potential for future structural reforms to the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
- Justice Gorsuch stated his loyalty is to the Constitution and U.S. laws, rejecting the idea that justices owe loyalty to the president who appointed them.
- President Trump publicly criticized Gorsuch and Justice Barrett for their votes in a 6-3 ruling that invalidated his tariff policies.
- President Trump expressed concern that the Supreme Court will invalidate his executive order regarding birthright citizenship.
- Rep. Johnny Olszewski proposed a constitutional amendment to establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices.
- Justice Gorsuch defended the current system of life tenure for federal judges as a means to ensure fair application of the law.
- Justice Gorsuch expressed caution regarding proposals to reform or change the structure of the Supreme Court.
- The number of Supreme Court justices has been set at nine by Congress since 1869.
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly criticized the Court's recent ruling on the Voting Rights Act.
Who's Mentioned
otherRuth Bader GinsburgpersonJan Crawford“CBS News chief legal correspondent who interviewed Gorsuch.”otherSupreme Court of the United StatesotherJan CrawfordotherNeil GorsuchotherCBS NewspersonAmy Coney Barrett“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority in the tariff ruling.”otherAmy Coney BarrettotherDonald TrumppersonJohnny Olszewski“Maryland Democratic Representative who proposed term limits.”otherHakeem JeffriespersonNeil Gorsuch“Supreme Court Justice who affirmed his loyalty to the Constitution.”personRuth Bader Ginsburg“Late Supreme Court Justice.”personDonald Trump“President who appointed Gorsuch and criticized the Court's rulings.”personJanie Nitze“Co-author of Gorsuch's book.”otherJanie NitzepersonHakeem Jeffries“House Democratic Leader who criticized the Court.”otherJohnny Olszewski