Public opinion data released this summer indicates a decline in Supreme Court approval ratings among Republicans, following a series of legal losses for the Trump administration. A Gallup report showed Republican approval of the court dropped from 79% in September 2025 to 58% by late last month. During that same period, Democratic approval remained largely unchanged at 12%, resulting in an overall record-low national approval rating for the institution.
The decline in Republican support coincides with several high-profile rulings against President Donald Trump's policies during the 2025-26 term. In February 2026, the court struck down the president's signature tariffs. In June, the justices declared an executive order limiting birthright citizenship unconstitutional and blocked the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. While the administration won cases regarding immigration and removal power, a Marquette Law School Poll found that 63% of Republicans now believe the court "rarely" or "never" rules for Trump.
President Trump has publicly criticized the court following these decisions, specifically targeting Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both of whom he appointed. During a February 20 press conference, Trump described the tariff ruling as "an embarrassment" to the justices' families. In social media posts, he characterized certain justices as having "gone weak" and suggested that security concerns following the overturning of Roe v. Wade have influenced Justice Barrett’s voting record.
Justice Barrett has faced specific criticism from conservative figures and organizations. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) stated Barrett "should be removed from the Bench," and podcast host Matt Walsh described the justice as a "DEI hire." Additionally, Homeland PAC launched a fundraising campaign titled "Amy Coney Barrett DROWNING in regret," urging her to reconsider the birthright citizenship ruling, though the deadline for a rehearing petition passed on July 28 without an administration filing.
For the American public, these developments highlight the potential for increased legal volatility. The Trump administration has already responded to losses by issuing new executive orders on birthright citizenship and tariffs, which are generating new lawsuits. Individuals and businesses affected by these policies face a period of legal uncertainty as these matters are litigated again. Furthermore, the public criticism of individual justices, including calls for resignation or removal by members of Congress, marks a change in the typical rhetoric surrounding the lifetime-appointed members of the nation's highest court.
The court’s upcoming docket will likely determine if this trend continues. The justices have been asked to review an $83.3 million defamation verdict against Trump and will likely face challenges to the administration's new immigration and trade policies. If Republican approval continues to fall, it could create a rare bipartisan environment for court reform legislation. Currently, Democratic-led bills aimed at adding justices or imposing term limits lack Republican support, but a sustained loss of confidence from both sides of the aisle could change the political calculations for these proposals. The next term begins in October, providing the court with multiple opportunities to address these high-stakes administration priorities.