Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has called for an investigation into Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson following her attendance at the Grammy Awards, where numerous artists expressed criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Justice Jackson was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording category for her memoir, "Lovely One." The award ultimately went to the Dalai Lama for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
In a post on the social media platform X, Blackburn stated, “Americans deserve a Supreme Court that is impartial and above political influence. When a Justice participates in such a highly politicized event, it raises ethical questions. We need an investigation into Justice Jackson’s ability to remain impartial.”
Blackburn has also reached out to Chief Justice John Roberts, urging him to “conduct a thorough investigation” into the ethical implications of Jackson's attendance at the award ceremony and her capacity to maintain impartiality regarding immigration cases presented to the Court.
In her letter to Roberts, Blackburn emphasized the necessity of examining whether Jackson's presence at the event aligns with the obligation of a Supreme Court justice to “act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.”
She referenced the “ICE out” pins worn by several artists and celebrities at the Grammys, claiming they contributed to a “far-left rhetoric.” Blackburn also highlighted an acceptance speech by singer Bad Bunny, in which he declared, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” without identifying him directly.
Additionally, Blackburn criticized Billie Eilish’s acceptance speech for song of the year, which included the phrase “f— ICE,” also not naming her. “These statements were just two of many polarized, highly charged anti-law enforcement sentiments from that evening,” Blackburn noted. “It is important to note that Justice Jackson was present in the audience throughout the event.”
The senator drew a comparison between Jackson’s attendance and the concerns voiced by Democrats regarding Justice Clarence Thomas’s accepted trips from billionaire Harlan Crow, as well as calls for Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack due to flags associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement displayed outside his home.
While Thomas disclosed the trips and denied any wrongdoing, Alito rejected the recusal requests, affirming his obligation to preside over the cases. “Unlike these meritless claims against Justice Alito and Justice Thomas, there are serious questions regarding Justice Jackson’s participation in such a brazenly political, anti-law enforcement event and her ability to remain an impartial member of the Supreme Court,” Blackburn concluded.
Post a Comment