Gorsuch defends independence after Trump's harsh criticism

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch publicly addressed personal attacks from former President Donald Trump in an interview with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. Gorsuch, who was appointed by Trump, emphasized his commitment to judicial independence and fearlessness in applying the law. The comments came after Gorsuch joined Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and the court's three liberal justices to invalidate Trump's sweeping global tariffs in February. Trump had criticized Gorsuch and Barrett, calling them a 'disgrace,' 'disloyal,' 'unpatriotic,' 'fools and lapdogs,' and 'an embarrassment to their families.' Gorsuch reflected on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, stating, 'We want independent judges, people who are fearless and able to apply the law without respect to persons.' He also highlighted the importance of judicial tenure, calling it 'quite an honor.' Gorsuch, who rarely gives media interviews, spoke ahead of the release of his new children's book, 'Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence.' He noted that the Declaration's ideals are not inevitable and require recommitment from each generation. 'America's biggest enemy is itself,' Gorsuch said, emphasizing the need to carry forward the nation's founding principles.