Phoenix, AZ – U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) recently ignited debate with a fiery speech at a MoveOn "Won't Back Down Tour" event in Phoenix, where she called for the implementation of ethics guardrails for the Supreme Court. During her address, the Texas Democrat also used strong language to criticize former President Donald Trump, asserting that "in a functioning democracy he still would not be able to get away with this."
Crockett specifically targeted the nation's highest court, stating, "But most importantly, the courts, especially the Supreme Court, is complicit. And so I think one of the places that we have to start is we are absolutely—they are the, they are the highest court in the land, and they have no ethics guardrail." She emphasized the perceived disparity, noting that lower federal courts operate under stricter ethical guidelines. The congresswoman's remarks underscore growing Democratic frustration with what they view as insufficient institutional responses to perceived abuses of power.
The call for Supreme Court ethics reform comes amid a broader national discussion and declining public trust in the judiciary. While the Supreme Court issued its first Code of Conduct in November 2023, critics, including many legal scholars and progressive groups, argue that it lacks a binding enforcement mechanism, rendering it insufficient. Congressional efforts to legislate a mandatory and enforceable ethics code, such as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency (SCERT) Act, have faced significant opposition, primarily from Republicans.
Representative Crockett, known for her outspoken and "aggressive" political style, has been a prominent voice on issues of civil rights and judicial accountability. Her participation in the MoveOn tour aligns with the organization's mission to hold Republicans accountable and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Crockett previously gained national attention for her role in the 2021 Texas House quorum break, a move aimed at blocking restrictive voting measures.
The congresswoman's direct and unvarnished criticism of both the former president and the Supreme Court reflects a strategy by some progressive Democrats to confront perceived political and judicial failings head-on. Her remarks contribute to the ongoing political discourse regarding judicial independence, accountability, and the role of the Supreme Court in American democracy.