UPDATE: Justice Amy Coney Barrett revealed her feelings of “loneliness” on the U.S. Supreme Court during a live event in Washington, D.C., just hours ago. Speaking at the annual Library of Congress National Book Festival to promote her upcoming book “Listening to the Law,” Barrett admitted the backlash from all political sides has taken a toll on her.
Barrett stated, “There’s a little bit of an element of loneliness because you never know who is going to criticize you and who is not.” Her comments come amid growing tensions with the MAGA movement, which has expressed dissatisfaction with some of her decisions.
Hecklers interrupted her speech, leading to the removal of two individuals from the venue. One shouted, “Why don’t you explain how you treat trans people?” before being escorted out. The incident underscores the heightened scrutiny Barrett faces as she navigates the complexities of her role on the court.
Throughout her 45-minute appearance, Barrett addressed her controversial position on the court, which was solidified when she was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2020. Her appointment followed the death of liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg, creating a significant conservative majority that has shaped critical rulings on issues like abortion and gun rights.
Barrett acknowledged the challenges of her role, stating, “To do this job, you have to be willing to be unpopular.” Her decisions have recently sparked outrage from MAGA supporters, particularly when she voted against Trump’s attempt to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid.
In January, she sided with Chief Justice John Roberts and liberal justices in allowing Trump to be sentenced in his “hush money” trial, further angering the far-right. She also faced backlash in May for recusing herself from a case regarding the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school.
Barrett’s comments about camaraderie among justices surprised some attendees. She noted that despite their differences, justices can maintain friendships, referencing the unlikely bond between Scalia and Ginsburg. “It’s heated, and there’s a lot of debate on the page,” Barrett said, emphasizing the importance of respect among colleagues.
Her book “Listening to the Law” is set to be published on September 9, 2023, and reportedly secured her a $2 million advance. When asked if she would consider writing a second book, Barrett firmly replied, “No—I think this is a kind of one-and-done.”
As Barrett continues to face challenges from both sides of the political spectrum, her reflections offer a rare glimpse into the pressures of serving on the nation’s highest court. With her book release imminent, all eyes will be on how she addresses these issues moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.