Alito says Supreme Court can't stem rise of emergency appeals, 'not pleased' with Trump's rhetoric

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says the surge in urgent requests for court intervention is unwelcome, yet he sees no way for the justices to reverse it. In an Associated Press interview tied to his first book, the 76-year-old also said he dislikes the tone Donald Trump and administration officials use about the court. He blamed presidents who govern through executive orders instead of legislation, which prompts lawsuits and quick lower-court rulings that reach the justices. He writes that such requests now approach the yearly count of fully argued cases, according to PBS NewsHour.

Alito rejected the notion that he votes along "Make America Great Again" lines, saying he judges each matter on its merits regardless of who is president. He said heated rhetoric does not change rulings but contributes to falling public trust. The president has lost major cases on tariffs and birthright citizenship but typically fares better on emergency orders.

Alito also stepped aside from a climate case involving oil and gas companies, calling the choice a judgment call. He owns oil stock inherited by his wife.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →