Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Justice Amy Coney Barrett and other chosen Supreme Court justices, according to insider reports.
Trump's frustrations privately bubble over to Justice Barrett, one of his Supreme Court appointees. Sources close to the discussions claim Trump feels the justices he appointed, notably Barrett, aren't doing enough to support his political agenda.
These same sources also revealed Trump expressed his discontent to a few allies who, in turn, vocalized their own dissatisfaction with Barrett, tagging her as "weak." Others have expressed their grievances openly.
Mike Davis, a conservative lawyer and Trump ally, delivered a stinging critique on Steve Bannon's podcast, likening Barrett to a "rattled law professor with her head up her a--." Davis often communicates with the president.
Barrett typically keeps quiet about right-wing criticism, a court tradition that prefers members to steer clear of political disputes.
Sources report Trump aims to nominate judges reminiscent of Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and the late Antonin Scalia. Barrett served as a Scalia law clerk, a fact Trump and Barrett both highlighted during her nomination.
At the White House Rose Garden, Barrett mentioned her bond with Scalia, emphasizing "Her long and deep friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia, my own mentor." Maureen Scalia was also in attendance.
In a statement, principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said: "President Trump will always stand with the U.S. Supreme Court, unlike the Democrat Party, which, if given the opportunity, would pack the court, ultimately undermining its integrity. The president may disagree with the Court and some of its rulings, but he will always respect its foundational role."
CNN first reported Trump's private frustrations with Barret on Tuesday. Although Trump has privately vented about Barret, he's yet to attack her publicly. Trump defended her when she sided with the liberal justices regarding the freeze on foreign aid payments.
"She's a very good woman. She's very smart, and I don't know about people attacking her, I really don't know," Trump told reporters.
However, Trump recently hit out at Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo, who advised him on judicial nominations during his first term, calling him a 'sleazebag.'
Trump's disappointment with Barrett mirrors broader dissatisfaction with his Supreme Court picks' performance in advancing his political agenda.
- Trump's allies, such as Mike Davis, have voiced their concerns about Justice Barrett's performance, with Davis criticizing her on Steve Bannon's podcast.
- Despite Trump's private frustrations with Justice Barrett, he has not yet publicly attacked her, but he did express his disappointment with Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo.
- Trump has emphasized his intention to nominate judges reminiscent of Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and the late Antonin Scalia, who Barrett previously served as a law clerk for, a fact they both highlighted during her nomination.
