Trump privately complains about Amy Coney Barrett and other Supreme Court justices he nominated

Former President Donald Trump has grown increasingly dissatisfied with the Supreme Court justices he appointed, especially Justice Amy Coney Barrett. According to multiple sources familiar with his private conversations, Trump believes his justices have failed to advance his political agenda.

Although his complaints have centered on Barrett, Trump has also expressed discontent with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. These frustrations have simmered for over a year, fueled by allies who believe Barrett has underperformed.

“It’s not just one ruling. It’s been a few different events he’s complained about privately,” a senior administration official told CNN.

Criticism Driven by the Right

Trump's circle has repeatedly described Barrett as “weak.” Some allege that her rulings don't match her originalist image. In 2020, Barrett presented herself as a strict conservative during her confirmation process. Some Trump allies now claim she misrepresented her positions.

Conservative pundits and commentators criticized Barrett in March after she voted to reject Trump’s attempt to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. One legal commentator called her a “rattled law professor.” Others labeled her a “DEI hire” and “evil.”

Her decision to join Chief Justice John Roberts and three liberal justices in allowing Trump’s sentencing in the New York hush money case also drew backlash. Though Trump initially called it a “fair decision,” insiders say the ruling deepened his disappointment.

A Broader Legal Rift Emerges

Trump’s growing public hostility toward the judiciary goes beyond the Supreme Court. Last week, he attacked Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo on Truth Social, calling him a “sleazebag” who “probably hates America.” Leo played a key role in helping Trump select federal judges during his term.

This marks a notable shift. Trump, once proud of reshaping the federal judiciary, now feels betrayed by some of his own picks. While his administration still defends the court publicly, the private grievances tell a different story.

“President Trump will always stand with the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Harrison Fields, Trump’s deputy press secretary. “He may disagree with rulings but respects the Court’s foundational role.”

Barrett’s Record Tells a Complex Story

Despite the criticism, Barrett has mostly voted in line with the court’s conservative bloc. She did not dissent in cases that upheld Trump’s transgender military ban or allowed him to revoke deportation protections. She also backed rulings to fire board members at independent agencies and cut education grants.

Barrett voted with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito more than 80% of the time last term, according to Empirical SCOTUS. Her alignment with Roberts and Kavanaugh also shows her place near the court’s conservative center.

Still, some decisions set her apart. In a major case over a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma, Barrett recused herself due to ties to attorneys involved. The 4-4 split left a lower court’s ruling intact, blocking state funding for the school. Critics on the right said her recusal went too far.

Carrie Severino, president of the conservative Judicial Crisis Network, warned it could set a harmful precedent. “This could have pernicious long-term consequences if other justices were to do the same,” she posted on social media.

Concerns for Her Safety and Independence

Some Trump allies suggest Barrett’s recent rulings may reflect pressure from threats. In March, her sister received a bomb threat at her Charleston, South Carolina home. Trump reportedly asked advisers if Barrett needed more security to feel safe.

Despite his private frustrations, Trump has refrained from publicly attacking Barrett. After the foreign aid ruling, he called her “a very good woman” and “very smart.”

“He truly respects the Supreme Court,” one senior White House official said. “He won’t torch his appointees. But he’s urged them to rein in lower courts and do the right thing.”

An Unpredictable Force on the Court

Barrett remains one of the justices to watch. During a major hearing on presidential immunity last year, she challenged Trump’s lawyers directly. She asked whether “private” actions by a president should be immune from prosecution.

Though she ultimately sided with the conservative majority to grant Trump partial immunity, her questions suggested she was open to limits.

Barrett’s evolving record shows she may not be the ideological lock many conservatives expected. Her independent streak—and how Trump responds to it—will likely shape future legal and political battles.

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