Fact Check: Trump praises Barrett's opinion as 'brilliant' after fierce criticism
What We Know
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that favored President Donald Trump’s administration, he publicly praised Justice Amy Coney Barrett for her majority opinion, stating, “I want to thank Justice Barrett, who wrote the opinion brilliantly” during a White House press conference (NBC News). This ruling, which temporarily revived Trump's plan to end automatic birthright citizenship, marked a significant victory for his administration, especially after Barrett had faced considerable backlash from some conservative circles for her previous decisions that did not align with Trump's agenda (CNN).
Barrett's opinion was part of a 6-3 ruling that highlighted the ideological divide within the court. Just a few months prior, Barrett had been criticized by Trump supporters for decisions that seemed to diverge from the administration's interests, including a ruling against a Trump administration attempt to freeze foreign aid (NBC News). This shift in perception among Trump's supporters was notable, as they quickly turned their ire towards Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson after Barrett's ruling (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump praised Barrett's opinion as "brilliant" is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. Trump's statement was made during a press conference shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, where he acknowledged Barrett’s contribution directly (NBC News). This public acknowledgment serves as a clear indication of his approval of Barrett's judicial reasoning in this case.
However, it is essential to consider the context of Barrett's previous criticisms from within Trump's base. Prior to this ruling, Barrett had been the subject of significant backlash from MAGA influencers and even Trump himself for her decisions that were perceived as contrary to the administration's objectives (CNN). This history of criticism adds complexity to the narrative, suggesting that Barrett's ruling may have been influenced by the desire to regain favor with the conservative base, although experts argue that her judicial independence remains intact (NBC News).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded in political reporting. NBC News and CNN are known for their thorough coverage of Supreme Court matters and have provided detailed accounts of Barrett's judicial history and the implications of her recent ruling.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. President Trump did indeed praise Justice Barrett's opinion as "brilliant" following a significant Supreme Court ruling that aligned with his administration's interests. This praise comes after a period of criticism directed at Barrett from Trump's supporters, highlighting the dynamic and often contentious relationship between the administration and the justices it appointed.
