Justice Samuel Alito Warns Congressional Democrats Have the Ability to 'Turn Off the Lights

Justice Samuel Alito Warns Congressional Democrats Have the Ability to 'Turn Off the Lights' for the Supreme Court

What happened: Justice Samuel Alito warned that the independence of the U.S. Supreme Court is at risk. He stated that Congress has the power to defund the court, effectively halting its operations. This warning comes amidst political tensions and proposed changes to the court by Democrats.

Why it matters: The independence of the Supreme Court is crucial for maintaining the balance of power in the U.S. government. If Congress can control the court's funding, it could potentially influence judicial decisions, undermining the court's impartiality.

Key details: Alito's warning was made on November 13, 2026. He did not directly mention the recent elections but referred to past attempts by Democratic senators to withhold funding. Democrats have proposed adding justices and imposing term limits, which could shift the court's ideological balance. Alito also criticized lower-court judges for overstepping their powers.