Clyburn urges adding four justices to Supreme Court
Sen. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) endorsed expanding the Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices, calling it a 'pretty good number' during an interview. He criticized the court's recent rulings and specifically faulted Justice Clarence Thomas for departing from his earlier views. Clyburn, who voted for Thomas's confirmation in 1991, said he no longer stands by that support.
Clyburn's proposal aligns with a broader Democratic push to reshape the high court's conservative majority. Senator Elizabeth Warren previously advocated expansion in a 2021 op-ed, while Senator Ed Markey has introduced legislation without success. Former President Biden, after long resisting such calls, later endorsed term limits, an ethics code, and a constitutional amendment addressing presidential immunity.
Clyburn's remarks carry particular weight given his 1991 vote for Thomas's confirmation, when he described the nominee as a friend. He now says Thomas has abandoned his background and experiences. Republicans have consistently opposed expansion, framing it as court-packing, and no such legislation has advanced.
Expanding the Supreme Court could fundamentally alter the balance of American governance, affecting how constitutional questions are decided for generations. Supporters may see it as necessary to counter perceived ideological overreach, while critics could view it as undermining judicial independence and institutional stability. The proposal may intensify partisan conflict over the judiciary, potentially shaping public confidence in court rulings and influencing future confirmation battles.