‘Make the Court Supreme Again’: Protesters Rally as Justice Kavanaugh Defends Judicial Independence in Texas Speech
Amid mounting scrutiny over the Supreme Court’s recent rulings, Justice Brett Kavanaugh faced a chorus of protesters during a rare public appearance in Texas. His remarks on power distribution and handling criticism ignited fresh debate about the court’s role in American democracy.
Event Overview: Honoring a Mentor Amid Controversy
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh delivered a keynote address on September 11, 2025, at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, as part of the Ken Starr Lecture Series. The event honored his former boss, Kenneth Starr, the late independent counsel known for investigating President Bill Clinton and a figure celebrated by conservatives. Kavanaugh, who worked on the Starr investigation and drafted parts of the 1998 Starr Report, used the occasion to reflect on judicial principles and personal anecdotes.
The speech drew an audience of about 2,500, moderated by MCC history professor Ashley Cruseturner. Security was heightened, with no video cameras allowed inside the venue. Outside, however, the atmosphere was charged with dissent.
Protesters Voice Discontent with Signs and Chants
Approximately 50 protesters gathered across the street from the gymnasium, organized by groups including Waco Friends of the Climate, Indivisible Waco, Texas Democratic Women, and the McLennan County Democratic Party. They held signs criticizing Kavanaugh and the court’s decisions, such as “BK – Trump Flunky,” “Shame on You. No One is Above the Law,” and the pointed slogan “Make the Court Supreme Again”—a play on former President Donald Trump’s campaign mantra, signaling demands for judicial reform.
Local Democratic Party Chairman Mark Hays told reporters the demonstration aimed to highlight concerns over the Supreme Court’s perceived deference to the executive branch, including rulings on immigration detentions and presidential immunity. Protester J.W. LaStrape, head of the Baylor University Democrats, bluntly stated, “Basically, the Supreme Court has handed the country to Trump.” The group remained in a designated area about 75 yards from the entrance, hoping Kavanaugh would notice their opposition amid ongoing national debates over court ethics and decisions.
Key Highlights from Kavanaugh’s Speech
Kavanaugh emphasized the framers’ intent to prevent power concentration, invoking the Declaration of Independence’s grievances against King George III. “The framers recognized, in a way that I think is brilliant, that preserving liberty requires separating the power,” he said. “No one person or group of people should have too much power in our system.”
He addressed criticism head-on, drawing parallels to Starr’s experiences. Praising Starr’s resilience, Kavanaugh remarked, “Be sorry for his critics because they were the ones who sacrificed law and principle for politics and expediency. Ken Starr never did that.” Reflecting on his own 2018 confirmation, marred by sexual misconduct allegations he denied as “revenge on behalf of the Clintons,” Kavanaugh stressed the need for judicial independence.
Kavanaugh also shared lighter moments, expressing fondness for Texas—his wife’s home state—and recounting stories from working with President George W. Bush, including runs at Bush’s Crawford ranch and international trips. He described his judicial role as an “umpire,” pulling out a worn pocket Constitution to underscore consistency and empathy, inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The timing coincided with the 24th anniversary of 9/11, prompting praise for Bush’s post-attack leadership.
Handling Criticism and Judicial Independence
Kavanaugh acknowledged the court’s challenge in balancing unpopular decisions with public respect. He avoided directly addressing Trump’s efforts to reshape government but faced external backlash for the conservative majority’s votes favoring Trump, including a 2024 immunity ruling and recent immigration decisions. Even liberal justices have objected to these patterns.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Legal experts viewed the speech as a defense of the court’s integrity. Retired Judge Jeremy Fogel, in a related commentary, called for public education on judicial independence to counter misconceptions. Public reactions were polarized: Conservatives applauded Kavanaugh’s emphasis on separation of powers, while progressive groups like Demand Justice amplified protester concerns, arguing the court has tilted toward executive overreach.
On social media, users debated the “Make the Court Supreme Again” slogan, with some seeing it as a call for ethics reforms amid scandals involving justices’ gifts and travel.
Political Impact: Fueling Debates on Court Reform
This event underscores broader U.S. political tensions, particularly as President Trump’s administration pushes aggressive policies bolstered by court rulings. For American voters, it highlights concerns over judicial impartiality, potentially influencing midterm elections and proposals for court expansion or term limits. Critics argue such decisions erode checks and balances, affecting immigration, elections, and civil rights—issues central to daily life and national identity.
Conclusion: A Snapshot of Divided Times
Justice Kavanaugh’s Waco appearance, blending personal reflection with constitutional defense, came amid pointed protests symbolizing deeper divides over the Supreme Court’s direction. As calls for reform grow, this moment may foreshadow intensified scrutiny, with the court’s conservative tilt likely to shape U.S. policy for years. Whether it prompts change remains uncertain, but it reaffirms the judiciary’s pivotal role in a polarized nation.