Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch addressed critiques and concerns surrounding recent decisions that reversed previous rulings on abortion and affirmative action during an interview on “CBS Mornings” Monday.
Gorsuch rebuffed accusations that his decisions stem from ideology instead of constitutional interpretation. He stated that he aligns with his more liberal colleagues 45% of the time and is uncertain what constitutes “an ideologically divided case.”
In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively ceasing the recognition of a constitutional right to abortion, thereby granting states the authority to permit, restrict, or prohibit the procedure entirely. A year later, SCOTUS invalidated the use of race as a factor in college admissions, deeming it a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, which effectively concluded affirmative action.
CBS News correspondent Major Garrett inquired of Gorsuch regarding the decisions to overturn cases that the public considered “settled.”
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Neil Gorsuch CBS interview. (CBS Mornings)
“I’d describe these matters as profoundly complex legal issues where reasonable minds can, indeed, disagree. As for Roe v. Wade, the Court decided that ‘We the People’ should resolve that issue, rather than nine individuals in Washington, D.C.,” Gorsuch commented.
On the topic of affirmative action, he stated, “Our agreement was that all individuals are created equal and that racial discrimination is not permissible in this country.”
Garrett further inquired, “What would you say to those who feel that something has been taken from them?”
“I would suggest that we’re returning it to you. In a democracy, you are in control. The iconic opening words of the Constitution grant you that power. Do you genuinely want me to make every decision for you?” Gorsuch replied.
Gorsuch was nominated to the Supreme Court by former President Trump on April 7, 2017. (Getty Images)
Garrett then returned to the topic of abortion, asking, “For a woman in a state where her previous rights have been removed – is that just cold comfort?”
“All I can express is that I don’t have a better understanding of these issues than you do and that most significant Western democracies have resolved these matters via the ballot box,” Gorsuch replied.
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In a conversation with Fox News Sunday’s Shannon Bream, Gorsuch relayed a message to the Biden-Harris administration in light of their call for Congress to enforce term limits and a code of conduct.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, July 4, 2024. (Tierney L. Cross)
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“It’s designed for those moments when scrutiny is upon you, when the government is pursuing actions against you. Wouldn’t you prefer a fiercely independent judge and a jury of your peers making those decisions? Isn’t that your privilege as an American?” Gorsuch stated. “Thus, I simply advise caution.”
Fox News’ Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
