The 2026 State Of The Union Drinking Game: The ‘Barely Invited’ Supreme Court Edition

Above the Law

by Joe Patrice

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article introduces a humorous yet insightful drinking game designed to navigate through the 2026 State of the Union address, with a focus on the ongoing tensions between President Trump and the Supreme Court. The game serves as a lighthearted way for legal professionals to engage with the speech, particularly highlighting Trump's exclusion of Supreme Court justices who ruled against his tariffs, including Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Barrett, and Gorsuch. This year's address marks a stark contrast from previous years, where Trump has alternated between thanking and attacking justices, reflecting his administration's contentious relationship with the judiciary. The piece emphasizes Trump's personal attacks on individual justices, such as labeling them "barely invited" to the speech and criticizing their rulings on tariffs. It also draws attention to the broader pattern of Trump's behavior, including past instances where he praised or disparaged justices based on their alignment with his policies. The article notes that while Chief Justice Roberts has maintained a record of attendance, the Court as an institution is considering whether to boycott the speech to uphold its dignity in light of such attacks. The significance of this dynamic lies in its implications for judicial independence and the separation of powers. The article highlights how Trump's administration has increasingly targeted lower court judges, leading to increased threats against federal judges and challenges to his appointees, such as Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan, who were disqualified due to legal rulings. This underscores the growing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary, with trial judges acting as a constitutional safeguard against overreach. The article ultimately serves as a reminder of the critical role courts play in maintaining democratic integrity

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/24/2026