Trump Regrets Appointing Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett After Court Losses

Key points

• Trump stated in a Time magazine interview that he regrets appointing Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, saying they voted against him frequently despite his lifetime appointments.
• The president criticized the justices for rulings on tariffs, mail ballots, and birthright citizenship, calling the tariff decision 'disastrous' and the birthright ruling a 'corrupt business.'
• Trump contrasted his appointees with Democratic-appointed justices, claiming the latter show 'loyalty' to their appointing presidents, while his picks do not.
• The Supreme Court is set to open its new term on Monday, with Trump’s grievances expected to continue as he links multiple losses to a broader sense of betrayal.
• Despite the public criticism, Trump recently invited Barrett and Kavanaugh to a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicating a complex relationship between the two.

Background

This conflict follows a series of Supreme Court rulings in 2026 that blocked Trump administration initiatives, including restrictions on mail ballots and challenges to tariff policies. Earlier in the year, the court also weighed a transgender troop ban, signaling potential limits on executive power. Trump’s recent social media posts and interviews have increasingly framed these losses as personal betrayals rather than legal disagreements.

How outlets are covering it

Politico emphasizes the growing 'grievance' and the pattern of Trump linking multiple losses to fuel a narrative of the court as a 'lost cause.' MSNBC’s Steve Benen highlights the 'tantrum' and the president’s demand for 'loyalty' over legal merit, noting the irony of praising Democratic justices for their consistency. The New York Post focuses on the specific quotes from the Time interview, detailing Trump’s complaints about the 'disastrous' tariff ruling and the 'corrupt business' of birthright citizenship, while also noting the recent state dinner invitation to the criticized justices. All sources agree on the intensity of Trump’s criticism but differ in framing: Politico sees a strategic narrative, Benen sees a misunderstanding of judicial independence, and the Post reports the raw quotes and contradictions in Trump’s actions.

Why it matters

The public rift between the president and his own Supreme Court appointees could have long-term implications for the balance of power and the legitimacy of the court. It may also influence future nominations and the political dynamics of the upcoming midterm elections, where control of Congress could affect the court’s composition and the administration’s agenda.

What to watch

The Supreme Court’s new term begins this week, with potential cases on tariffs and other executive actions. Trump’s administration may continue to challenge court rulings, and the president’s public criticism could influence public opinion and political support for the court. The midterm elections in 2026 will also be a key test of the political fallout from these judicial decisions.