Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) blasted the Supreme Court in a fiery interview with Anderson Cooper on Monday night. Discussing the aftermath of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, Pelosi didn’t hold back, questioning the Court’s integrity and suggesting it had strayed from its intended role.
Pelosi didn’t mince words when Cooper asked about her trust in the Supreme Court. “No, I think they’ve gone rogue,” she asserted. Pelosi criticized the justices for what she perceived as injecting personal views into their decisions rather than strictly interpreting the Constitution. “It’s most unfortunate,” she lamented, citing concerns over Justice Alito and Justice Thomas, questioning their impartiality.
Pelosi expressed disappointment in Chief Justice Roberts, wondering aloud whether he had become “weak” or “rogue.” These remarks were laced with frustration towards congressional members who, in her view, may have similarly deviated from their responsibilities.
Touching on the Dobbs case itself, which centers on the rights of unborn children, Pelosi emphasized that while she respects differing viewpoints, the justices’ primary duty is to uphold constitutional principles rather than advocate personal beliefs. She sharply rebuked their departure from judicial impartiality, urging them to leave policy-making to Congress.
The former Speaker drew parallels to the confirmation hearings of newer justices, where they pledged to respect precedent. Pelosi accused them of abandoning this commitment regarding pivotal issues like privacy rights. “They vote their opinion on policy rather than the oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States,” she criticized.
In a historical context, Pelosi referenced past Supreme Court decisions that bucked precedent, notably the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling overturned segregationist policies established in Plessy v. Ferguson. She implied that such bold moves were sometimes necessary but underscored her belief that the Court should uphold consistent principles.
Wrapping up her critique, Pelosi appealed to a return to the Founders’ vision for the judiciary, where respect for the separation of powers was paramount. “I want us to get back to a place where the three branches of government…are respected across the board,” she urged, implying that restoring this balance was crucial for rehabilitating the Court’s reputation.
Pelosi’s remarks reflect broader discontent among those who believe the Supreme Court should remain impartial and faithful to constitutional principles.
Pelosi’s outspoken comments illuminate the tense intersection of law, politics, and constitutional interpretation, raising essential questions about the judiciary’s role in shaping national policy. As debates over the Court’s direction continue, her perspective adds fuel to discussions about the future of judicial oversight in America.
