Supreme Court Approval Flat at 43% as Public Sees Defensive Stance

Supreme Court approval holds at 43% as most Americans now view the Court as defensive.

Public approval of the U.S. Supreme Court remains at 43%, with more than half disapproving, according to Gallup polling in April 2026. Despite notable decisions with bipartisan impact—such as overturning the Trump-era tariffs under the International Emergency Powers Act, a ruling supported by 66%—the majority of Americans remain wary of the Court’s motivations.

• Marquette Law School polling reports 57% of adults say the Court is acting defensively to avoid a constitutional crisis and is influenced by political conditions, not just the law. (Courthouse News)
• The partisan split on approval is stark: 75% for Republicans, only 11% for Democrats, reinforcing deep polarization. (Gallup)
• Gallup’s October 2025 survey shows 43% see the Court as too conservative—a historic high—while just 26% say it has the right balance.

Even after highly debated abortion rulings in recent years, confidence has rebounded slightly, with 67% reporting some or a great deal of confidence in the Court, up from 56% in prior years. But many Americans are uneasy about whether the Court acts with independence and restraint. (AP-NORC/AXIOS)

Stephen Vladeck, professor at the University of Texas School of Law, highlights a rare uptick in public statements and warnings from justices, which signal concern inside the Court itself: “The number of [public] concerns from multiple justices in such a short period...is something we should all pay attention to.”

For law firms and in-house counsel, these perceptions amplify uncertainty around the consistency and public acceptance of Supreme Court precedent—raising the stakes for litigation strategy and risk assessment in 2026 and beyond.

Yes, but: Some public confidence has rebounded since 2024, but many still question judicial independence and restraint.