The approval rating for the U.S. Supreme Court has recently plummeted to one of its lowest levels in history, highlighting a significant divide in the public's perception based on political affiliation. A Gallup poll conducted between July 1 and July 21, 2024, reveals that only 43 percent of Americans approve of the Supreme Court's performance, with a stark 52 percent expressing disapproval. This latest approval rating is a stark reminder of the court's historically low levels of public confidence, particularly following the controversial rulings that have shaped current political discourse.
The poll indicates a dramatic disparity in approval based on party lines: 66 percent of Republicans show approval for the court, contrasting sharply with a mere 15 percent of Democrats. With 44 percent of independents also approving, the results underscore a deep partisan divide that is characteristic of the current political climate. The gap of 51 percentage points between Republican and Democratic approval ranks among the highest recorded by Gallup, only surpassed by a 61-point gap that was noted following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion.
These recent statistics emerge as President Joe Biden has proposed reforms for the nine-member court amid ongoing scrutiny over its ethical standards. His proposals include implementing term limits for justices and establishing an ethics code that would require justices to disclose any gifts received, refrain from political activity, and recuse themselves from cases where potential conflicts of interest exist. This proposal comes in the wake of ethical concerns surrounding certain Justices, with Biden remarking, "These scandals involving the justices have caused public opinion to question the court's fairness and independence that are essential to basically carrying its mission of equal justice under the law."
Specific justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have faced public backlash for various ethical issues. Thomas has been criticized for accepting undisclosed luxury gifts from Republican donors, raising questions about judicial integrity and impartiality. Meanwhile, Alito's exposure in relation to the January 6th Capitol insurrection, where an upside-down American flag connected to former President Donald Trump's false claims was seen outside his residence shortly after the riot, added fuel to the fire of public doubt.
While Biden's reforms aim to restore faith in an institution that some view as increasingly politicized, experts suggest that with election-year politics looming, the chances of passing significant reforms are slim. His recent proposals are perceived as a tactic to galvanize support for the upcoming elections by framing the Supreme Court's unpopularity as a campaign issue.
The Supreme Court's historically low approval ratings and the political manipulation surrounding its legitimacy are indicative of a broader trend in American politics: increasing dissatisfaction with major institutions. As the ongoing divide between Democrats and Republicans continues to widen, the integrity of the court is now deeply entwined with party politics, complicating the already contentious nature of judicial appointments and the legitimacy of the court itself.
As the Supreme Court navigates its challenges, the future of its perceived integrity and reliability hangs in the balance, influenced heavily by public opinion and political maneuvering. Will reforms be enacted to improve confidence in the court, or will the current polarized political climate further entrench the divide among the American populace? These questions linger as the court approaches another significant term filled with high-stakes cases and public scrutiny.