Chief Justice John Roberts has mandated non-disclosure agreements for Supreme Court staff following a series of embarrassing leaks. This move comes after a confidential memo, pushing for Trump immunity, was leaked to The New York Times. Roberts, who normally relies on informal measures to maintain court secrecy, has taken this step as the court faces increased scrutiny and public trust issues.

The latest leak involved a draft decision on abortion rights, revealing deep divisions among justices. Critics argue this shift towards secrecy underscores the court's internal cohesion problems. The last time clerks were asked to sign such agreements was in the late 1990s, following a tell-all book by a former clerk. Now, these agreements carry legal weight and threaten action for breaches.

This development follows a series of leaks, including disagreements over Idaho’s abortion ban and the court’s ethics rules. With public trust at an all-time low, Roberts' decision to tighten secrecy contrasts with calls for greater transparency. The move could further erode the court's standing as conservative justices align with Trump's policies, sparking debates on the balance between secrecy and accountability.