Written by Sarah Johnson.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is using fear as a tool to gain support for the Democrats in the upcoming elections. He frequently labels his Republican colleagues and even Supreme Court originalists as “MAGA extremists,” attempting to paint them as threats to democracy. Jeffries, known for his Marxist leanings, aims to push his agenda by discrediting anyone who disagrees with him.

In a recent interview on MSNBC’s Deadline, Jeffries expressed his desire to control the Supreme Court through a “legislative effort to implement an ethical code of conduct.” This proposal is seen as a way to target Justices who do not align with his political views. If the Democrats succeed in November, Jeffries’ plan could undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Jeffries’ rhetoric includes exaggerated claims and personal attacks. For instance, he criticized Justice Alito’s wife for briefly flying a flag upside down during a neighborhood dispute, twisting the incident to suit his narrative. This approach is part of a broader strategy to label originalist Justices as extremists, regardless of their actual conduct.

The Flag Controversy

The incident involving Justice Alito’s wife became a focal point for Jeffries and his allies. In a statement to the New York Times, Alito clarified that he had no involvement in the flag incident. “I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag,” Alito stated. “It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbor’s use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs.”

Fox News anchor Shannon Bream provided further context, revealing that Alito’s neighbor had used offensive language towards his wife. Bream reported, “In addition to what’s in the story, he told me a neighbor on their street had an ‘F— Trump’ sign that was within 50 feet of where children await the school bus in Jan 21. Mrs. Alito brought this up with the neighbor.”

Despite these explanations, Jeffries continues to use the incident to argue for stricter controls on the Supreme Court. He claims that originalist Justices like Alito must be reined in to ensure they adhere to an ethical code of conduct enforceable by law.

Targeting the Judiciary

Jeffries’ push for an ethical code of conduct for the Supreme Court is part of a larger effort to influence the judiciary. He argues that both Congress and the executive branch have enforceable ethical codes, and the judiciary should be no different. “We’ve got to get the MAGA extremists on the Supreme Court under control,” Jeffries stated, implying that Justices must conform to his party’s expectations.

This campaign is not just about ethics; it’s about ensuring the Supreme Court aligns with Democratic values. Jeffries’ approach suggests that any ruling or behavior not aligned with his views is unacceptable. The most recent irritation for the Democrats was the Supreme Court’s decision that South Carolina’s election map was not racist, a ruling that went against their narrative.

Every time Democrats lose a case, they seek to discredit the Justices or even the entire Supreme Court. This tactic of tearing down what they cannot control or win is becoming increasingly common. Jeffries’ proposal to legislate an ethical code of conduct is just the latest attempt to exert control over the judiciary.

Our Take

Jeffries’ plan to impose an ethical code of conduct on the Supreme Court is a dangerous move. From a politically conservative perspective, this approach threatens the independence of the judiciary and undermines the principle of checks and balances. Jeffries’ labeling of originalist Justices as “MAGA extremists” is a clear attempt to delegitimize those who do not conform to his political ideology.

The incident involving Justice Alito’s wife is a prime example of how Jeffries twists events to suit his narrative. Using a personal dispute to argue for sweeping legislative changes shows a lack of respect for the judiciary’s independence. This tactic of manipulating incidents for political gain sets a troubling precedent.

Moreover, Jeffries’ broader strategy of attacking the judiciary whenever Democrats lose a case is concerning. The Supreme Court must remain impartial and independent, free from political influence. Legislating an ethical code of conduct, as proposed by Jeffries, is a thinly veiled attempt to control the judiciary and ensure it aligns with Democratic values.

This move not only undermines the judiciary but also erodes public trust in the Supreme Court. The judiciary should be a pillar of impartiality, not a tool for political manipulation. Jeffries’ plan is bad for the public as it compromises the integrity of the judicial system, leading to a more polarized and less trustworthy government.