Post by : Badri Ariffin

In an annual letter to the judiciary, Chief Justice John Roberts underlined the enduring resilience of the U.S. Constitution on Wednesday. Reflecting on a tumultuous judicial year, he asserted that the nation’s foundational documents are “steady and unwavering,” echoing President Calvin Coolidge’s historical sentiments.

This reassurance comes on the heels of 2025’s escalating fears surrounding a constitutional crisis, largely driven by tensions between supporters of Republican President Donald Trump and courts scrutinizing aspects of his conservative policies. Notably, Roberts issued a rare public admonition in March after Trump called for the impeachment of a judge involved in a deportation case concerning Venezuelan migrants.

Roberts’ correspondence underscored the judiciary’s historical importance, recalling an early 19th-century ruling that established that judges should not be removed for unpopular decisions. He called on judges to remain faithful to their oaths, ensuring justice for everyone, “providing equal right to the poor and the rich,” and applying the Constitution and federal laws faithfully.

Despite setbacks in lower courts, the Trump administration secured nearly two dozen victories on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket last year. The conservative majority of the court has enabled actions such as prohibiting transgender individuals from military service, constraining federal spending authorized by Congress, implementing stricter immigration policies, and removing Senate-confirmed leaders of independent federal agencies.

Conversely, the court also ruled against Trump on several occasions, including a pivotal decision that blocked his attempts to deploy the National Guard to selected U.S. cities.

Looking forward, the Supreme Court is set to tackle significant cases in 2026, such as the debate over Trump’s efforts to abolish birthright citizenship and the legality of his unilateral imposition of tariffs on various nations. Roberts’ letter largely avoided these divisive issues, beginning instead with a nod to Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet Common Sense and concluding with Coolidge’s reassuring message to seek solace in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence amidst political upheaval.

#Global News