Conservative Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the United States is not currently in a constitutional crisis. She made the remarks during a public event in New York.
Barrett spoke at Lincoln Center on September 4, responding to questions about recent presidential actions and the state of the judiciary. She said a crisis would occur if the rule of law failed.
“I don’t think that we are currently in a constitutional crisis,” Barrett told journalist Bari Weiss. She emphasized that courts remain functional and the Constitution continues to guide government actions.
The Supreme Court justice joined the nine-member court in 2020, filling the seat left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her appointment helped solidify a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.
Since Trump returned to office in January, he has enacted policies to reshape federal agencies, tighten immigration rules, and change trade measures. Many of these actions faced legal challenges.
Federal judges have blocked or slowed several Trump policies, which sparked criticism from the president and some allies. In March, Trump even suggested impeaching a judge in a deportation case.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett at Trump’s second inauguration, Washington, January 20, 2025. Source: REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Barrett argued that disagreements between the executive branch and courts do not amount to a constitutional crisis. She noted that the United States has faced heated debates in the past.
The justice defended her vote to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling in 2022. She said public opinion should not determine legal decisions, despite growing support for abortion rights.
According to a 2024 Reuters/Ipsos poll, 57 percent of Americans support legal abortion in all or most cases, up from 46 percent in 2014. Barrett called it risky to consider public opinion in judicial rulings.
The 2022 ruling led 18 states to adopt near-total or early-stage pregnancy abortion bans. Barrett said she believes the courts continue to serve as a check on government power.
Barrett’s comments came ahead of her book release, “Listening To The Law,” set for September 9. She has several public appearances planned to discuss the book and judicial issues.
She said passionate disagreement is part of American democracy and the current political environment is not unique. Barrett reiterated her confidence in the resilience of U.S. courts and institutions.
