Justice Elena Kagan delivered a sharp critique of the Supreme Court during a public interview at Catholic University, breaking the judicial tradition of restraint. She argued the conservative majority has disregarded democratic rights in rulings on voting rights, gerrymandering, and campaign finance. Kagan stated the court "got it wrong" in key cases, particularly the evisceration of the Voting Rights Act, which she said has enabled partisan gerrymanders erasing Black lawmakers' districts.
She warned the court has "blinded itself" to the deleterious effects of its rulings on the political system. This criticism is notable given Kagan's reputation as the most institutionalist of the Democratic appointees. At a July judicial conference, she previously defended her colleagues against accusations of acting as a rubber stamp for the Trump administration.
Her recent comments signal a significant shift, as she declared the court is "deeply conservative," very different from the bench she joined 16 years ago. She emphasized that previous court, which also had a 5-4 conservative majority, recently decided Citizens United, transforming money's role in politics. The interview highlights growing tension within the highest court as it approaches midterm elections.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing