Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville launched a blistering attack on the Supreme Court on Friday, accusing the justices of engaging in political favoritism and ethical misconduct. In a podcast episode on “Politicon,” Carville did not hold back, calling the court “corrupt” and dismissing any notion that the public should respect them.
“There is no reason, none, that you should have any respect or any admiration for this pack of people who take money from anybody, don’t report anything, are the only nine people in the entire f----ing federal government that operates under no ethics rule,” Carville said.
The Supreme Court has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years over unreported gifts, luxury travel, and potential conflicts of interest. Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed in 2023 that he had accepted several trips on billionaire and GOP mega-donor Harlan Crow’s private jet, and some Democratic lawmakers have alleged additional undisclosed trips. Similarly, questions emerged about Jane Sullivan Roberts, wife of Chief Justice John Roberts, and her work recruiting for law firms with business before the court, as reported by The New York Times. Justice Samuel Alito has also faced ethics concerns, including a 2008 trip to a luxury Alaskan fishing lodge paid for by two wealthy Republican donors that was not included in his financial disclosures.
Carville’s scathing remarks came days after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision, split along ideological lines, weakened a provision of the Voting Rights Act long used to justify redistricting that protects minority voting power. The Supreme Court's narrowing of the Voting Rights Act in this Louisiana case has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats.
“These sons of b----es were so political, so happy to help the Republican Party any way they could they wrote a convoluted decision that legal scholars are still trying to wander through to think, ‘What the f--- was the rationale for this?’” Carville said. He labeled the ruling an “unintelligible decision” by Alito, whom he called “nothing more than a political hack.”
Chief Justice John Roberts recently urged people to tone down rhetoric against judges, calling personal attacks “dangerous” and a “problem.” But Carville’s tirade shows no sign of easing. He has long called for Democrats to expand and pack the Supreme Court, as well as push for statehood for the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, when they regain power. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has already halted House primaries following the court's decision, further highlighting the immediate political impact.
President Trump responded to Carville’s proposals earlier this month, calling him a “wacko” in a lengthy Truth Social post and describing Democrats with similar ideas as “Country Destroying Sleazebags.” The clash underscores the deep partisan divide over the court’s role and integrity.
