Justice Jackson defends impartiality while appearing on former First Lady's podcast
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told listeners on Michelle Obama’s podcast that she screens all invitations to avoid any appearance of bias.
On Michelle Obama’s podcast, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson described a rigorous vetting process for public appearances, involving her legal and public-information offices, to ensure no ethical conflicts or fundraising motives. She emphasized her commitment to avoiding any perception of partiality and noted that she frequently turns down invitations for that reason. Host Sara Gonzales challenged the notion of neutrality, pointing out that joining the former first lady’s show could itself appear biased.
Gonzales also highlighted Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s statements about DEI and the employment of black women, then contested the accuracy of Crockett’s education data with external statistics. The discussion framed the justice’s outreach as a potential political flashpoint, while also touching on broader debates over diversity initiatives.
Why it matters
The remarks raise questions about how Supreme Court justices manage public engagements and perceived impartiality.
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