Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts There Is No Musk-Trump Feud Without The Roberts Court
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Jun 7, 2025 
Michael Podhorzer, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former political director of the AFL-CIO, dives into the influence of money on the judiciary and democracy. He discusses how billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have reshaped the Supreme Court and weakened labor rights. Podhorzer highlights recent court decisions' implications, the decline of unions, and the urgent need for collective action. He advocates for a reassessment of power structures to protect democracy in an era influenced by technology and money.
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Supreme Court as Auction Block
- The Roberts Court effectively "sold" the Supreme Court to rich interests, reshaping the legal landscape away from democratic control.
- This auction-like process enabled billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump to wield disproportionate influence over law and governance.
Judicial Supremacy Undermines Democracy
- Judicial supremacy leads to passivity, undermining popular sovereignty and democracy.
- The Roberts Court has imposed sweeping changes without legislative votes, distorting democratic processes.
Rule by Fiat vs. Rule of Law
- Many Supreme Court rulings reflect rule by fiat rather than rule of law, with justices making up decisions to suit agendas.
- Distinguishing between law-following decisions and arbitrary rulings is crucial for understanding the current legal crisis.
