The Political Scene | The New Yorker Leah Litman on Trump’s Supreme Court
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Jul 18, 2025 
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the intricate relationship between Trump’s administration and the Supreme Court. She analyzes how political influences shape judicial decisions, revealing the dissenting justices' dynamics and the impact of dark money. Litman discusses critical issues like voting rights and the Court's handling of abortion cases, stressing the importance of public understanding in maintaining democracy. Her insights provide a compelling look at the challenges faced by America’s highest court.
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Court Favors Republican Agendas
- The Supreme Court's recent term largely favored Republican interests, boosting corporate and right-wing religious agendas.
- Decisions aided the Trump administration's often law-defying actions without significant legal pushback.
Dark Money Shapes Court Influence
- Dark money from special interests heavily influences the Supreme Court's environment and decisions.
- The Republican Party openly acknowledges and leverages this influence on judicial outcomes.
Court Won't Check Trump Abuses
- Expecting the Supreme Court to act as a guardrail against Trump's abuses is mistaken.
- The court tends to enable the administration, ignoring procedural rules to allow its actions.
