Americans Deeply Divided Politically in Their View of the Supreme Court, Poll Finds
Recent polls highlight a stark political divide in how Americans perceive the U.S. Supreme Court, reflecting broader societal polarization. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from June 2025 found that only 20% of Americans view the Supreme Court as politically neutral, with 58% disagreeing, a sentiment shared across party lines—74% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans reject the idea of the Court’s neutrality. Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey from July 2024 showed that just 47% of Americans hold a favorable view of the Court, near its lowest in over three decades, with a 45-point partisan gap: 73% of Republicans view the Court favorably compared to only 24% of Democrats.
The erosion of trust stems from high-profile rulings, notably the 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which intensified perceptions of ideological bias, particularly among Democrats. An AP-NORC poll from June 2024 revealed that 70% of Americans believe justices prioritize ideology over impartiality, with only 30% seeing them as independent checks on government. This perception is fueled by a 6-4 conservative majority, including three Trump-appointed justices, and decisions on issues like abortion, gun rights, and presidential immunity. Democrats are particularly critical, with 73% saying justices fail to keep personal politics out of decisions, compared to 39% of Republicans.
Gallup polls confirm approval ratings remain low, at 43% in July 2024, with a 51-point gap between Republicans (66%) and Democrats (15%). Posts on X reflect similar frustration, with some users expressing disappointment in the Court’s perceived political alignment, though these sentiments are inconclusive. Despite the divide, an Annenberg survey noted that 90% of Americans value judges ruling based on the Constitution and facts, yet only 40% believe justices do so.
This polarization mirrors broader societal trends, with 81% of Americans seeing the country as deeply divided, per an Ipsos poll. While both sides agree on the Court’s lack of neutrality, the reasons—whether it’s “too conservative” for Democrats or “about right” for Republicans—highlight how partisan lenses shape views of an institution meant to embody impartiality. For a deeper dive into the data, check Reuters or Pew Research Center’s websites.