Former Supreme Court Justice says 'democracy is at risk' (politico.com)
Overview & Context
In this June 26, 2025 Politico report, former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy sounded a stark warning: escalating political hostility and threats to judges are placing American democracy and freedom at risk.
⚠️ Key Takeaways
- Kennedy emphasized that hostile political rhetoric and attacks on the judiciary undermine the rule of law and cast doubt on U.S. democratic leadership globally.
- While not naming names, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to President Trump’s repeated criticisms of judges who blocked his policies.
- U.S. District Judge Esther Salas shared that such rhetoric has emboldened threats; over 400 threats have been documented against judges this year alone.
- Other legal experts, including South African jurist Richard Goldstone, echoed Kennedy, warning that diminishing judicial respect can destabilize democracies.
🏛️ Significance & Implications
- Kennedy framed the tone of political discourse—shifted by “identity politics” and personal attacks—as a profound threat to democratic norms.
- He insisted that judicial independence is essential and must be protected, including safety for judges and their families.
- His intervention adds gravitas to growing concerns about institutional erosion and the need to restore respect for judges and democratic processes.
📚 Citation
Politico. (2025, June 26). Anthony Kennedy says democracy is at risk amid threats to judiciary. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/26/anthony-kennedy-democracy-judiciary-threats-00427714
Summary generated by ChatGPT (GPT‑4).