Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed strong support for a recent Supreme Court ruling that effectively ended the practice of universal injunctions, calling it a victory for the rule of law. Appearing on Fox News, Kennedy said he was “proud” of the Court’s 6–3 decision, which he believes will have positive implications for the country—even joking that the dissent from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was a sign the ruling was sound.
The case did not directly address birthright citizenship but instead focused on the legality of lower court-issued universal injunctions that blocked executive orders, including one from former President Donald Trump. Kennedy and others argue that such injunctions lack a legal foundation and have been misused by judges to override presidential authority.
Kennedy criticized judges who issue broad injunctions based solely on disagreement with policy, claiming there is no precedent in statute, Supreme Court rulings, or English common law for such authority. He emphasized that both political parties have exploited this tool, though he believes Democrats have done so more frequently.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett authored the majority opinion, asserting that federal courts are not designed to act as overseers of the executive branch. She rejected Justice Jackson’s dissent, arguing that Jackson favored judicial overreach while warning against executive overreach—an inconsistency Barrett highlighted sharply.
Kennedy praised the Court’s move to rein in judicial power, adding sarcastically that critics upset by the ruling should “buy a comfort rock” or “fill out a hurt feelings report.” He reiterated that universal injunctions were an invented and unlawful practice long overdue for removal.
