Biden Announces Supreme Court Overhaul Amid Plummeting Public Trust, Warns of Critical Crossroads

President Joe Biden has unveiled a proposal aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on term limits and ethical guidelines for justices. The Biden administration is leveraging the rising discontent among Democrats over the court’s conservative majority and its recent controversial decisions.

Biden’s proposal, detailed by the White House on Monday, calls for Congress to pass legislation establishing an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices. This system would allow the sitting president to appoint a new justice every two years, aiming to introduce regularity and predictability in court membership.

Additionally, Biden is advocating for an ethics code for justices, which would mandate the disclosure of gifts, prohibit public political activities, and enforce recusal in cases with potential conflicts of interest. Another key element of Biden’s proposal is pushing for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, a move intended to counter recent court rulings favoring former President Donald Trump.

Despite the bold nature of these reforms, the chances of passing them through a closely divided Congress appear slim, with only 99 days remaining before Election Day. Democrats, however, hope that this focus on judiciary reforms will mobilize voters in the upcoming elections. Biden plans to elaborate on his proposal in a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

The move comes as Biden’s administration responds to growing Democratic frustration with the court’s conservative majority, which has overturned long-standing decisions on abortion rights and federal regulatory powers. Liberal critics have also raised concerns over alleged ethical lapses among some conservative justices, including questionable relationships and decisions that may compromise impartiality.

Biden’s calls for reforms reflect a shift in his stance on judiciary matters, as he had previously been hesitant to support high court reforms. The administration’s new stance underscores a broader effort to restore public confidence in the judiciary and bring the court’s operations back to what Biden describes as mainstream constitutional interpretation.

Former President Trump and his supporters have criticized the proposed reforms, accusing Democrats of attempting to manipulate the judiciary for political gain. Trump recently took to his social media platform to denounce the reform efforts as a threat to an independent judicial system.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, has framed the upcoming elections as a choice between “freedom and chaos,” a narrative that plays into Biden’s reform agenda. The White House, in its statement, emphasized the administration’s commitment to working with Congress and empowering the American people to safeguard democracy and restore faith in the Supreme Court.

The issue of ethics and transparency within the Supreme Court has gained traction following revelations about justices’ conduct. Notable incidences include Justice Clarence Thomas accepting luxury trips from a Republican donor and Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s staff pushing for institutions to purchase her books.

Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed support for Biden’s reform push, underscoring its significance in motivating voters to support Democratic candidates. In contrast, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham criticized the Democrats for their selective outrage regarding court decisions, accusing them of disregarding balance when it favored liberal rulings.

Biden’s announcement represents a critical moment in his presidency, reflecting a more assertive approach to ensure judicial accountability and integrity, addressing long-standing concerns among Democrats about the Supreme Court’s direction.

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.