Sonia Sotomayor has issued an unusual public apology after making what she described as “inappropriate” and “hurtful” remarks about fellow Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during a recent appearance.
In a statement released Wednesday, Sotomayor said she regretted her comments and confirmed she had personally apologized to her colleague. The remarks stemmed from a speech at the University of Kansas School of Law, where she criticized an opinion written by Kavanaugh in an immigration case.
While discussing the ruling, Sotomayor referenced the background of the unnamed colleague—widely understood to be Kavanaugh—suggesting he may not fully understand the experiences of hourly workers. The comment drew attention as a rare instance of direct personal criticism between sitting justices.
The case in question involved a Supreme Court decision that allowed the administration of Donald Trump to carry out broad immigration enforcement operations in the Los Angeles area. Kavanaugh joined the court’s conservative majority, while Sotomayor dissented, raising concerns about potential violations of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches.
The Supreme Court currently holds a 6-3 conservative majority, and ideological divides have become more visible in recent years. Although justices often emphasize collegiality despite disagreements, Sotomayor’s remarks—and subsequent apology—highlight tensions within the court.
Other members of the court have also recently voiced concerns. Ketanji Brown Jackson has publicly criticized rulings involving the Trump administration, while Clarence Thomas has warned about declining civility among justices.
The apology comes as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver several major rulings before the end of its current term in June, a period that often brings heightened scrutiny and internal pressure.
