After President Donald Trump was heard thanking Chief Justice John Roberts multiple times on a hot mic, Roberts cast a decisive vote against Trump the next day, raising questions about the nature of Trump’s gratitude. During his March 4 address to Congress, Trump thanked Roberts while shaking his hand, saying, “Thank you again. Won’t forget it,” which sparked immediate speculation about what he was thanking Roberts for.

The following day, Roberts joined the liberal justices in a 5-4 ruling blocking Trump’s attempt to withhold $2 billion in U.S. foreign aid. The decision, which upheld a lower court ruling, was seen as a significant setback for Trump’s administration, leading to further speculation about the connection between the president’s remark and the ruling.

Some commentators suggested that Trump’s thanks were related to previous Supreme Court rulings that had favored him, such as the case that allowed him to remain on the 2024 ballot after a legal challenge regarding the January 6 insurrection. These decisions have been viewed as supportive of Trump’s agenda, prompting questions about whether he was acknowledging Roberts’ past votes.

In response to the growing rumors, Trump took to Truth Social, calling the media’s coverage of his comments “Fake News” and insisting that his remarks were not about any legal decisions. He clarified that he was thanking Roberts for swearing him in as president on Inauguration Day, not for any judicial rulings.

With Roberts’ latest vote and ongoing legal challenges facing Trump, tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary are likely to intensify. As numerous executive orders are blocked or delayed by federal judges, the relationship between Trump and the Supreme Court remains a key focus of attention, with more high-stakes decisions to come.

Click below to read more…