U.S. Supreme Court Shakeup: Harris and Trump’s Positions Revealed

WASHINGTON — As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the divide between Democrats and Republicans regarding Supreme Court reform becomes increasingly apparent. Democrats, driven by recent decisions affecting reproductive rights and accountability for former presidents, are advocating for significant changes, including enforceable ethics rules and term limits for justices.

Recent developments, notably the overturning of a nearly 50-year right to abortion and numerous scandals, have intensified calls for reform. Vice President Kamala Harris has positioned herself on the Democratic side of this debate, advocating for “common-sense” reforms that would impose term limits and align the justices’ conduct with standards applicable to lower federal judges.

Shortly after President Joe Biden’s announcement regarding Supreme Court ethics reform, Harris reaffirmed the necessity of rebuilding public confidence in the judiciary. She stated, “President Biden and I are calling on Congress to pass important reforms — from imposing term limits for Justices’ active service, to requiring Justices to comply with binding ethics rules just like every other federal judge.”

Although Harris’s campaign provided limited details on her proposals, her legislative history reflects support for similar measures. As a senator in 2019, she co-sponsored a bill aimed at establishing a uniform ethics code across the federal judiciary.

In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump and his campaign dismiss the notion of ethics reforms or term limits for the Supreme Court. Trump’s campaign senior advisor emphasized that Trump views the nomination of justices as a critical presidential duty. On social media, Trump has vigorously opposed changes to the court, framing efforts for reform as a “Radical Left” attack on the judiciary.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) is similarly opposed to altering the Supreme Court’s structure, asserting their commitment to maintaining the number of justices at nine. At a recent event in Chicago, Trump alleged that Democrats sought to add a significant number of justices to the bench, a claim that highlights the tension surrounding this issue.

Additionally, Trump’s legal challenges have brought attention to his claims of presidential immunity for actions taken during his administration. In a recent Supreme Court ruling, the justices determined that former presidents possess certain immunities, complicating Trump’s legal challenges amidst his ongoing campaign.

With ethics scandals involving justices raising serious concerns, observers have called for systematic reforms. Gabe Roth, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Fix the Court, noted that ethical lapses are not confined to any one ideology, suggesting the institution should focus on ethical leadership.

Congressional Democrats are actively pursuing legislation to implement enforceable ethics rules and limit justices’ lifetime appointments to 18 years. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s bill recently progressed through the Senate Judiciary Committee, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court.

Despite the political divide, advocates argue that reforms should transcend partisan lines. Roth emphasized the need for a collective push for ethical standards that benefit the judiciary as a whole, rather than catering to specific political interests.