Voters Believe Supreme Court Shows Bias Favoring Trump, Poll Finds

A recent Economist/YouGov poll reveals that nearly half of registered voters perceive the Supreme Court as biased towards President Donald Trump. The poll, conducted from September 4 to 8, surveyed 1,469 registered voters. Results show 44% believe the Court favors Trump, while 12% think it opposes him. Additionally, 27% see the Court as impartial, and 18% remain uncertain. The poll has a margin of error of 3.4%.

The perception is significantly influenced by partisan affiliations. Among those who supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, 81% say the Court is biased towards Trump, versus 9% of Trump supporters. Among Democrats, 77% view the Court as favoring Trump, while 20% of Republicans believe the Court opposes him, and around half say the Court is fair to Trump. Among independents, 44% feel the Court favors Trump, 23% see it as fair, and 8% think it opposes him.

The Supreme Court’s reputation seems to be on a downward trend, particularly since earlier this summer. The survey indicates 56% disapprove of its job performance, while 34% approve. In July, 50% disapproved, and 36% approved. The perception of the Court being conservative rose from 44% in July to 49% in the latest poll, whereas the view of it being liberal remained nearly unchanged, increasing from 9% to 10%.

This poll coincides with the Supreme Court handling several politically sensitive election disputes as the November midterms approach. Notably, the Court declined to reinstate a Republican-backed congressional map in Missouri, along with other decisions impacting Trump’s administration and Republican campaigns. These events contribute to a divided opinion on the Court’s ideological stance and its connections with Trump.

Furthermore, 47% of respondents think recent Court rulings have excessively empowered Trump. Meanwhile, 30% believe the rulings grant him an appropriate level of power, 8% say too little, and 15% are unsure. The same poll indicates that 73% of respondents agree that the president should adhere to the Court’s orders, regardless of his personal views. In contrast, 11% disagree, and 16% are uncertain. Notably, this question was posed to only half of the respondents.

The July Economist/YouGov poll presented varied opinions on individual Supreme Court justices. Amy Coney Barrett was viewed unfavorably by 38% and favorably by 23%. Clarence Thomas received a 41% unfavorable rating, with 29% favorability. Chief Justice John Roberts held a 36% unfavorable and 25% favorable rating. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was seen favorably by 34% and unfavorably by 26%. The poll shows a decline in the net favorability ratings for Justices Thomas, Barrett, and Kavanaugh compared to data from the previous year.

For inquiries, contact Newsweek editors Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas.