Supreme Court Faces Declining Approval Ratings

Recent polling indicates the United States Supreme Court’s approval rating has reached a historic low among independents. The latest Gallup poll revealed only 31 percent of independent voters approve of the Court, marking the lowest level recorded by Gallup.

Public Confidence Erodes

The Court has seen a downward trend in public trust over recent years. A significant number of Americans question its independence and impartiality. The Court’s conservative leanings have drawn criticism, especially following its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and perceived weakening of the Voting Rights Act. Conversely, Former President Trump criticized the Court for rulings that did not align with his administration’s goals, such as efforts to end birthright citizenship.

All of this foment about the Court from all sides is bound to chip away at the Court’s standing. — Stephen Wermiel, American University

Overall, only 34 percent of Americans approve of the Supreme Court, similar to past lows.

Partisan Approval Differences

The approval ratings show a stark division along partisan lines. Republican approval rebounded to 65 percent in September, while Democratic approval remained low at 12 percent. Historically, Republicans have viewed the Court more favorably due to its conservative majority.

The perception of the Court’s ideology varies among Americans. In the latest poll, 43 percent perceived it as too conservative. Meanwhile, 35 percent felt its ideology aligned appropriately, and 17 percent considered it too liberal.

Response to Declining Approval

Some justices have addressed the declining approval ratings. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson raised concerns over the use of the emergency docket, questioning its fairness. Critics refer to this as the “shadow docket,” emphasizing the expedited nature of rulings without extensive arguments or opinions.

Wermiel highlights that independent voters and other observers perceive procedural flaws in the Court’s actions, suggesting that more transparency in decisions could foster public confidence.

Historical Perspective on Approval Ratings

The Court’s approval was 58 percent in July 2020 but has fluctuated since. It dropped to 40 percent by September 2021 and remained around 33 to 42 percent over the following years. Republican approval remained higher than that of Democrats since July 2016, when Democrats last reported higher favorability.

Recent Major Rulings and Reactions

Rulings in the most recent term involved significant issues, such as attempts by Trump to end birthright citizenship and impose tariffs. Notably, the Court ruled 6-3 against Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order and rejected his tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. While Trump has publicly criticized these decisions, he also supported the Court on certain matters.

The Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional district plan, impacting the Voting Rights Act interpretation and influencing state actions in places like Alabama and Tennessee.

Trump has voiced displeasure with the Supreme Court over recent rulings, accusing it of hindering Republican electoral advantages and criticizing its decisions on various policy issues.

Additional Poll Findings

Other polls corroborate the Gallup results. A Marquette Law School Poll indicated a net approval of -14 points, with a majority disapproving. A YouGov and The Economist poll similarly showed low approval, with 49 percent seeing the Court as too conservative. These findings underscore a broad sentiment of disapproval among Americans.