Story perspectives

Professors Claim Supreme Court's Legitimacy Deteriorates Under Trump

12/20/2025

24 4

Summary

Story summary

Ryan Doerfler and Samuel Moyn, two American professors, argue that the Supreme Court's legitimacy has deteriorated during his second term as U.S. President Donald Trump.
They call the court "noxious" and say it cannot be saved.
They say conservative justices undermined its nonpartisan image, shaping abortion and voting-rights rulings via a shadow docket.
Progressives are considering reforms to expand and disempower federal courts to challenge the status quo.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ryan Doerfler and Samuel Moyn, two American professors, argue that the Supreme Court's legitimacy has deteriorated during his second term as U.S. President Donald Trump.
They call the court "noxious" and say it cannot be saved.
They say conservative justices undermined its nonpartisan image, shaping abortion and voting-rights rulings via a shadow docket.
Progressives are considering reforms to expand and disempower federal courts to challenge the status quo.