The approval of the Supreme Court has surged past the 50 percent mark, a significant increase since early 2022.
The Hill reported that this newfound trend, highlighted by a Marquette Law School poll, is largely attributed to a popular court decision involving the Chinese firm ByteDance and its ownership of the social media app TikTok.
The recent Marquette Law School poll has provided new insights into the public’s perception of the Supreme Court and its decisions.
Released on Thursday, this national survey reveals that 51 percent of respondents now stand in favor of the Supreme Court, a notable rise from two months ago when approval stood at 48 percent. The disapproval rate had been 52 percent during that period.
Now, with a positive rating exceeding the 50 percent threshold for the first time since March 2022, the Court is seeing its highest approval levels in years. Back in March 2022, the approval peaked at 54 percent, demonstrating the Court’s ability to currently regain the public's favor following a clear decline.
The centerpiece of this increase in public confidence is tied to a critical decision made in January concerning TikTok, a popular social media platform owned by ByteDance.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Chinese company must divest its ownership or face a potential ban, a decision supported by 62 percent of those surveyed. Despite its popularity, 38 percent of the respondents were opposed to this ruling.
Interestingly, this decision has found support across the political spectrum, though to varying degrees. Survey data shows that 73 percent of Republican voters agree with the Court’s decision on TikTok, compared to 54 percent of Democrats and 53 percent of independents. This distribution illustrates a significant bipartisan consensus on the matter.
However, the enforcement of this decision has seen delays. President Trump postponed the enforcement of the January 19 deadline for TikTok, adding another layer of complexity to the issue. Despite these delays, the ruling’s importance seems to resonate with a broad segment of the American public.
The poll also sheds light on public expectations regarding the president’s response to Supreme Court decisions. A vast majority, 83 percent, of those surveyed believe that the president should adhere to the Supreme Court's rulings, even if such decisions are not in his favor. This sentiment underscores the esteem in which the Court is held despite political headwinds.
To gather this data, the Marquette survey involved 1,018 adults and maintained a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. The survey took place over a week-long period from January 27 to February 5, painting a picture of evolving public opinion as events unfolded.
This level of support for the Supreme Court highlights how certain key decisions can pivot public opinion. The Supreme Court’s ability to make influential decisions that resonate widely reflects its profound impact on American society’s fabric. As cases and decisions continue to arise, the Court’s approval ratings may see further fluctuations.
The current scenario underscores the pivotal role that public opinion and key legal decisions play in shaping the perception of judicial institutions.
With the TikTok ruling at the forefront, the Supreme Court's standing amidst the public has been bolstered after years of fluctuating confidence.
While remaining a touchstone of trust and adherence for many Americans, the Supreme Court's actions will likely continue to be a focal point of public and political attention.
This latest survey reflects a snapshot of current sentiment, influenced heavily by recent important decisions. As new cases emerge, the Court will continue to navigate its role within the framework of public scrutiny and legislative oversight.
