Justice Elena Kagan addressed criticism of the Supreme Court regarding its rulings in favor of the Trump administration, emphasizing that the court is not a 'puppet' for the administration. Speaking at a Ninth Circuit judicial conference, Kagan noted that the court has pushed back against Trump in several significant cases, despite its conservative majority. She acknowledged the court's conservative leanings but asserted its independence, stating, 'Is this court the kind of puppet for the current administration? I think definitely not.'
Kagan highlighted instances where the court ruled against Trump, including decisions on tariffs and executive orders. She also remarked on Trump's historic attendance at a Supreme Court session, describing it as a 'non-event.' Kagan's comments come amid public perception that political agendas influence the court's decisions, with a recent poll indicating that 46% of respondents believe rulings in Trump cases were politically motivated. Chief Justice John Roberts has similarly dismissed the notion that justices act according to the agendas of the presidents who appointed them. The Supreme Court is set to begin its next term on October 5, with several notable cases scheduled for argument.