Turley Slams Harris' Radical Plot to Block Trump Court Picks

WASHINGTON -- Prominent George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley unleashed a scathing critique on April 4, 2026, claiming Vice President Kamala Harris supports a 'radical plan' to block President Donald Trump's Supreme Court selections. Writing in a Fox News opinion piece, Turley described the proposal as an unprecedented assault on judicial independence, potentially allowing political actors to veto nominees through legislative maneuvers.[2] Turley's column arrives as Trump, inaugurated for his second term in January 2026, signals intent to fill anticipated vacancies on the high court. With Justices Clarence Thomas (77) and Samuel Alito (75) nearing retirement age, sources indicate at least one opening could emerge by summer. Harris, positioning herself for a potential 2028 presidential run, has rallied Democratic allies in blue states to explore blocking mechanisms, including state-level refusals to recognize federal appointments.[2][3] The scholar, a frequent Fox News contributor, framed Harris' stance as part of a broader pattern of Democratic overreach. He pointed to recent Colorado legislation mandating lawyers withhold immigration data from federal officials as a condition for state court access, labeling it an 'awful, sneaky' attack on free speech and federal authority.[3][5] Turley also highlighted Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' failed 2024 bid to bar Trump from ballots, overturned unanimously by the Supreme Court, as evidence of recurring unconstitutional tactics.[5] In a separate April 10, 2026, appearance on 'Up Next with Mark Halperin,' Turley dismissed talk of a full-blown constitutional crisis. 'Our Constitution was written for bad times, not good times,' he said, urging restraint amid Justice Department bias allegations and political pressures.[4] He praised a Ninth Circuit ruling vindicating free speech but warned of escalating state-federal clashes.[5] Turley's analysis underscores mounting tensions post-2024 election, where Trump secured 312 electoral votes. Critics from the left accuse him of partisanship, but his testimony in multiple impeachment trials bolsters his reputation as a constitutional expert. The Harris plan, if pursued, could trigger Supreme Court challenges by fall 2026.[1][2]