Fact Check: Conservatives Called Barrett 'Weak' After She Rejected Trump's Foreign Aid Freeze
What We Know
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has faced criticism from conservative circles, particularly after her decision to reject President Donald Trump's plan to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This decision sparked significant backlash among Trump's supporters, with some labeling her as "weak" in private conversations. According to sources, Trump himself has expressed frustration with Barrett's rulings, suggesting that they do not align with the expectations he had when nominating her to the Supreme Court (CNN, ABC News).
In March 2025, Barrett's vote against the foreign aid freeze was a pivotal moment that led to a wave of criticism from conservative commentators. One legal commentator described her as a "rattled law professor with her head up her a**" on a podcast (ABC News). Additionally, some of Trump's allies have publicly and privately echoed sentiments that Barrett's judicial decisions have been disappointing (CNN).
Analysis
The claim that conservatives labeled Barrett as "weak" following her decision on the foreign aid freeze is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Reports indicate that Trump's allies communicated their dissatisfaction directly to him, with some expressing their views publicly. The characterization of Barrett as "weak" appears to stem from a broader frustration with her judicial approach, which some conservatives feel deviates from the more hardline stances they expected from her (ABC News, Yahoo News).
The sources reporting on this backlash are reputable, including major news outlets like CNN and ABC News, which have a track record of covering judicial and political matters comprehensively. The comments made by conservative commentators and Trump's allies are documented and provide a clear context for the criticisms directed at Barrett.
However, it is important to note that Barrett has not publicly responded to these criticisms, which is typical for Supreme Court justices who generally refrain from engaging in political discourse. This lack of response does not diminish the validity of the claims made by her critics but highlights the norms of judicial conduct (ABC News).
Conclusion
The claim that conservatives called Barrett "weak" after her rejection of Trump's foreign aid freeze is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that significant backlash occurred within conservative circles, with many expressing their discontent regarding her judicial decisions. This dissatisfaction reflects a broader tension between the expectations of Trump's supporters and Barrett's judicial philosophy.
