In a recently released secret recording, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito criticized the media for its persistent criticism of the U.S. Supreme Court, which he claims has eroded public trust in the judiciary. The recording, made by journalist and political consultant Lauren Windsor, was captured during the Supreme Court Historical Society’s dinner on June 3 and made public on Monday by Rolling Stone.
Windsor, who is known for her liberal viewpoints, posed as a conservative at the event, asking Alito how the court could restore public trust. “I wish I knew. I don’t know. It’s easy to blame the media, but I do blame them because they do nothing but criticize us. And so, they have really eroded trust in the court,” Alito responded.
The Supreme Court has been under increased scrutiny due to several recent scandals, which have cast doubts on its impartiality. Polls reflect a growing disapproval among Americans. According to a Gallup poll from September 2023, only 41 percent of Americans approve of the Court’s performance, a significant drop from the 51 percent approval rating in September 2018.
The secret recording also captured Alito’s thoughts on the deepening ideological divide in the country. He expressed that some values held by Democrats and Republicans are irreconcilable. “One side or the other is going to win. I don’t know. I mean, there can be a way of working, a way of living together peacefully. But it’s difficult, you know, because there are differences on fundamental things that really can’t be compromised,” Alito stated.
Alito’s remarks have added to the controversy surrounding him. Recently, he faced backlash following a report by The New York Times about an upside-down American flag flown outside his Virginia home after the 2020 presidential election. This flag, often associated with pro-Trump symbols amid his unproven election fraud claims, has intensified scrutiny on Alito.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, Alito defended his stance, explaining to The New York Times that he had “no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag,” attributing it to his wife’s brief response to a neighbor’s offensive yard signs. This explanation, however, has not quelled the criticism.
Windsor, who recorded Alito’s comments, shared her insights with Rolling Stone. She noted the stark division Alito highlighted, adding, “I don’t know that we can negotiate with the left in the way that needs to happen for the polarization to end. I think that it’s a matter of, like, winning.” Alito seemed to agree, underscoring the difficulty of finding common ground on fundamental issues.
The situation has escalated as Alito’s neighbor accused him of lying to lawmakers about the timing of the upside-down flag display. This neighbor’s allegations have fueled calls from Democrats in Congress for Alito to recuse himself from cases related to Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Alito has resisted these calls, insisting in a written response that the flag was briefly placed by his wife due to a neighbor’s provocative yard signs. Critics, however, remain unconvinced, with some suggesting he is either mistaken or deliberately misleading.
Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged of another flag associated with the January 6 insurrection — an “Appeal to Heaven” flag — being flown outside Alito’s beach house in 2023. These incidents have intensified scrutiny on Alito’s impartiality and further polarized public opinion.
As the debate continues, the release of Windsor’s recording has reignited discussions about the role of the media, the integrity of the judiciary, and the deep political divisions within the United States.
