State of the Union May Be a Trial for ‘Barely Invited’ Justices
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by Ann E. MarimowFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The State of the Union address this year could be an uneasy moment for Supreme Court justices, as they attend President Trump’s speech just days after ruling against his tariffs. The decision, led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., declared that Trump had exceeded his legal authority by imposing sweeping tariffs without congressional approval. This ruling was joined by both liberal justices and two of Trump’s own appointees—Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. Following the court’s decision, Trump responded with harsh criticism, calling the justices “disloyal” and “a disgrace to our nation,” and even singled out Gorsuch and Barrett as “an embarrassment to their families.”
Traditionally, several Supreme Court justices attend the State of the Union address, though not all nine are expected to be present. Their presence will likely draw attention, given the recent tensions between Trump and the court. This year’s event marks a unique moment where political and judicial dynamics collide, raising questions about the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary. The gathering could serve as a symbolic test of how the justices navigate their roles during such high-stakes moments.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between tradition and current political realities. While attending the speech is a long-standing custom, the recent ruling on tariffs has added an additional layer of
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026