Story perspectives

Barrett Calls for Democratic Amendments, Sparks Bipartisan Criticism

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said constitutional amendments must come from the democratic process, not judicial reinterpretation, at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Barrett, an originalist rejecting the conservative label, said judges must respect statutes and Constitution, preferring ‘independent’ to the ‘swing vote’ label.
U.S. President Donald Trump and supporters criticized her for siding with liberal justices while liberal groups rebuked her for supporting the court’s conservative rulings.

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Story summary

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said constitutional amendments must come from the democratic process, not judicial reinterpretation, at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Barrett, an originalist rejecting the conservative label, said judges must respect statutes and Constitution, preferring ‘independent’ to the ‘swing vote’ label.
U.S. President Donald Trump and supporters criticized her for siding with liberal justices while liberal groups rebuked her for supporting the court’s conservative rulings.