Trump Calls Justices Who Ruled Against Him ‘Fools and Lap Dogs’

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by Luke Broadwater

February 20, 2026

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President Trump expressed strong disapproval of Supreme Court justices who ruled against him in a recent 6-3 decision regarding tariffs imposed on U.S. trading partners. During a hastily called press conference, Trump referred to these justices as "fools and lap dogs," accusing them of lacking courage and being swayed by foreign interests and political movements. He specifically criticized Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whom he himself appointed, calling their actions an embarrassment and questioning their loyalty to the Constitution. The decision, authored by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., a conservative appointee from the George W. Bush administration, found that Trump had overstepped his authority in imposing tariffs without proper legal justification. Trump dismissed this ruling as unpatriotic and disloyal, suggesting that even justices appointed by him were influenced by external forces. He praised Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another appointee of his, for siding with the administration, calling him a "genius" and expressing pride in his decision. Trump's remarks highlight his view of Supreme Court justices not as independent legal thinkers but as political allies who should align with his agenda. He contrasted Gorsuch and Barrett with Kavanaugh, whom he lauded for their support, while sharply criticizing the three Democratic-appointed justices who voted against him. Trump suggested that these justices are automatically opposed to his policies, regardless of their merits. The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and judicial branches under Trump's presidency. It also reflects his broader strategy of consolidating power and challenging institutional authority, particularly in cases where his policies or decisions are deemed unconstitutional. This incident has sparked debates about the role of the judiciary and the implications of a president openly questioning the independence and patriotism of Supreme Court justices. Ultimately, Trump's comments reveal his view of the court as a political tool rather than an impartial arbiter of the law. This perspective not only raises concerns about judicial

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026