Poll finds 46 percent say Supreme Court rulings follow political agenda

A new poll shows 46 percent of Americans say the Supreme Court bases its rulings on the current administration's political agenda, while 25 percent say the justices decide cases chiefly on the law. The survey of public attitudes toward the court was conducted July 8-13 by the Washington Post and Ipsos. Fifty-five percent of respondents disapprove of the way the court is handling its job.

differences in views Among those who believe the court makes partisan rulings, 66 percent said the decisions favored the administration, compared with 17 percent who said the justices mainly opposed it. Republicans are far more likely to approve of the court's performance, with about two-thirds expressing approval.

Democrats and independents are more likely to view its decisions as politically motivated, with three-quarters of Democrats and six in ten independents disapproving.

The findings follow a Supreme Court term that featured several decisions involving administration policies. The court upheld two immigration measures, expanded presidential removal authority over some executive branch officials, and sustained restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

The justices rejected the administration's appeal in the E. Jean Carroll case, leaving intact the $5 million civil judgment. The court also preserved the Federal Reserve's independence by preventing removal of its officials without cause, even as it broadened removal authority over leaders of other independent agencies.

The court currently holds a 6-3 conservative majority after three appointments during the president's first term.