Justice Gorsuch Condemns Lower Courts Defying Supreme Court Rulings

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch has publicly reprimanded lower courts for repeatedly defying Supreme Court rulings, particularly in cases involving the Trump administration's termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related NIH grants. In a recent 5-4 decision, the Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with cutting nearly $800 million in NIH DEI grants despite lower courts blocking these efforts. Gorsuch emphasized that although lower courts may disagree with Supreme Court decisions, they are not free to ignore or defy them, citing multiple instances where district courts have disregarded binding precedents and relied improperly on dissenting opinions. He highlighted that this defiance is a recurring problem, with the Supreme Court having to reverse lower court rulings multiple times in recent weeks, including disputes over third-country deportations and Consumer Protection Bureau appointments. Gorsuch’s concurrence sends a strong message warning the judiciary to respect the hierarchy of courts and adhere to established legal principles to maintain the rule of law. This stance reflects growing frustration within the Supreme Court over what it sees as judicial overreach undermining the Trump administration's policy initiatives.