Fran Lebowitz Suggests Biden Should End Supreme Court
In a controversial episode of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, author Fran Lebowitz made headlines by proposing that President Joe Biden dissolve the Supreme Court.
Lebowitz’s radical suggestion about abolishing the high court stems from her belief that the panel has been unduly influenced by former President Donald Trump, as the Daily Wire reports.
During the show, which aired last Friday, Lebowitz argued that the Supreme Court’s legitimacy has been compromised due to Trump’s past influence on its composition. She expressed severe discontent with the Court's recent decisions, particularly one concerning presidential immunity.
The author misinterpreted a July ruling by the Supreme Court, which stated that presidents enjoy limited immunity from criminal prosecution for official actions while in office. Lebowitz inaccurately described this ruling as providing presidents with total immunity, effectively making them akin to monarchs.
This misinterpretation sparked her to make the bold claim that the Supreme Court should not even be allowed to bear its name, suggesting it acted more like “Trump’s harem” than a judicial body.
Bill Maher Reacts with Skepticism to Lebowitz's Claims
Maher, the host of the show, responded to Lebowitz’s fiery comments with a mixture of skepticism and humor.
Although he did not challenge her extensively, his reactions ranged from calling her views “centrist” sarcastically to a simple “Oh, come on.”
Lebowitz’s statements on the show did not stop at just the Supreme Court. She also made derogatory remarks about the intelligence of residents from states like Tennessee and Arizona, further fueling the controversy.
In a particularly bold jest, she suggested trading Arizona to Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for ensuring Ukraine’s safety, underscoring her dissatisfaction with certain U.S. states.
Democratic Support for Supreme Court Reform Grows
The episode’s timing coincides with a growing discourse within the Democratic Party about potentially reforming the Supreme Court.
This conversation has been fueled by recent rulings that have prompted widespread debate and dissatisfaction among liberals.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently mentioned his belief that Vice President Kamala Harris would support packing the Supreme Court should she assume the presidency.
This indicates a significant tilt towards radical judicial reforms among some Democrats.
Lebowitz’s comments reflect a broader frustration within parts of the Democratic Party regarding the current state of the Supreme Court and its recent conservative decisions.
Outspoken Critique Stirs Public and Media Backlash
The backlash to Lebowitz’s remarks was swift, with critics arguing that her suggestions undermine the principles of U.S. governance and the rule of law.
Supporters, however, echo her concerns about the Supreme Court’s integrity under Trump's lingering influence.
Lebowitz’s appearance on Maher’s show, often a platform for provocative opinions, has certainly ignited a heated discussion on the future of the Supreme Court and its role in American democracy.
As the fallout continues, both sides of the political spectrum are weighing in on her comments, which have sparked a broader debate about the balance of powers and the direction of the U.S. judicial system.