Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Buttigieg Calls for 13-Justice Supreme Court, Term Limits

7/25/2026

28 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg renewed his call for Supreme Court reforms, saying its legitimacy is at historic lows.
He proposes expanding the Court to 13 justices, imposing 18-year term limits, and a “balanced bench” that could raise the size to 15 justices.
The Court has nine justices, a 6-3 conservative majority, and its size is set by Congress in 1869, not the Constitution, after a 1937 court-packing plan was rejected.

1 of 1

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg renewed his call for Supreme Court reforms, saying its legitimacy is at historic lows.
He proposes expanding the Court to 13 justices, imposing 18-year term limits, and a “balanced bench” that could raise the size to 15 justices.
The Court has nine justices, a 6-3 conservative majority, and its size is set by Congress in 1869, not the Constitution, after a 1937 court-packing plan was rejected.