Fran Lebowitz Criticizes Supreme Court, Calls for Dissolution on HBO’s ‘Real Time’
Leftist author Fran Lebowitz made controversial remarks about the U.S. Supreme Court, suggesting that President Joe Biden should dissolve the judicial body.
Lebowitz voiced her concerns over the high court’s current majority of constitutional originalists and proposed extreme action to address her discontent, as Breitbart reports.
During the conversation with Maher, Lebowitz did not hold back in criticizing the Supreme Court, claiming it no longer represents justice.
She was particularly frustrated with the fact that a majority of the justices adhere to constitutional originalism, a judicial philosophy that interprets the Constitution as it was understood at the time it was written.
Lebowitz Expresses Displeasure with Court's Rulings
Lebowitz’s comments became more provocative as she elaborated on her concerns about recent rulings. She falsely claimed that the court had ruled that presidents can act as kings and do not have to follow the law. According to Lebowitz, this decision effectively removes checks on presidential power, allowing Biden to do as he pleases without consequence.
“When they passed that law, that ruling, where they said, ‘You’re not the president, there’s a king,’ which is what that ruling is, you can do whatever you want, you can never be held responsible,” Lebowitz stated, though it was unclear to which specific ruling she was referring. She suggested that this interpretation of the law makes Biden a monarch in all but name.
Lebowitz Suggests Dissolving The Supreme Court
In response to her perception of the Supreme Court’s power, Lebowitz suggested an extreme solution. She argued that President Biden should dissolve the court entirely.
"I think Biden should dissolve the Supreme Court," she said, further explaining her belief that the court is no longer functioning as it should. According to Lebowitz, the court’s recent decisions, in her view, have undermined its legitimacy.
Maher, however, was quick to push back on this notion, responding with disbelief at the suggestion.
“Dissolve the Supreme Court? Come on,” Maher remarked. Despite his skepticism, Lebowitz stood by her position, even humorously invoking the idea of Biden acting like a king to achieve this goal.
Lebowitz Doubles Down on Statement
Lebowitz expanded on her idea, likening Biden to a monarch in the current system she described. "I’m the president, I’m the king now, like you said, and go home!" she exclaimed, reiterating her view that Biden could take unilateral action to dismantle the Supreme Court.
Her remarks sparked a lively exchange with Maher, but the overall sentiment from the host was one of disbelief. While Maher has hosted numerous guests with varying political views on his show, Lebowitz’s suggestion to dissolve the court was one of the more extreme ideas to emerge during the discussion.
Constitutional Originalism at Heart of Debate
Lebowitz’s frustrations seem to center on the judicial philosophy of constitutional originalism. This approach, which interprets the Constitution based on its original meaning, has long been a source of debate in American legal circles. Originalists argue that this philosophy preserves the intent of the Constitution’s framers, while critics like Lebowitz believe it prevents the legal system from adapting to modern realities.
The current Supreme Court, which includes several justices appointed by Republican presidents, has been criticized by those on the left for its adherence to originalism. For figures like Lebowitz, the court’s decisions on key issues such as voting rights and executive power represent a step backward rather than progress.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
Although Lebowitz’s suggestion was met with skepticism by Maher, it reflects a broader frustration among some leftist commentators and activists. Dissatisfaction with the court has grown in recent years, particularly following high-profile rulings on issues like abortion, gun control, and environmental regulations.
While dissolving the Supreme Court is not a feasible or constitutional solution, Lebowitz’s remarks highlight a deepening divide over the role of the judiciary in American governance. For many on the left, the current court represents an obstacle to their political and legal goals.
Conclusion: Lebowitz Sparks Debate Over Supreme Court’s Role
Fran Lebowitz’s appearance on Bill Maher’s show and her suggestion that President Biden dissolve the U.S. Supreme Court have sparked debate. While her comments were met with pushback, they underscore a growing dissatisfaction among some leftists regarding the court’s adherence to constitutional originalism. Lebowitz’s provocative statements reflect frustration with recent rulings and a belief that drastic measures may be necessary to address what she sees as an imbalance in the nation’s legal system.
Ultimately, her remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing political battles over the judiciary and the role it plays in shaping American law and society.