Sen. Marsha Blackburn is intensifying her criticism of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, calling for a formal investigation after the justice attended the Grammy Awards, where several artists made anti-ICE remarks from the stage.
Jackson received a nomination for her memoir “Lovely One” in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording. However, the award ultimately went to the Dalai Lama for his work, “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
But Blackburn argued that the problem was with the setting.
“Americans deserve a Supreme Court that is impartial and above political influence,” Blackburn wrote on social platform X. “When a Justice participates in such a highly politicized event, it raises ethical questions. We need an investigation into Justice Jackson’s ability to remain impartial.”
Jackson was apparently seen cheering when someone during the awards show was critical of ICE agents.
In a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts, Blackburn insisted he conduct “a thorough investigation” and questioned whether Jackson’s presence at the event — where several performers made statements critical of U.S. immigration enforcement — could affect “ability to remain impartial with respect to immigration matters that come before the Court.”
In her letter, Blackburn wrote that while being nominated is not itself controversial, the context of the event — including anti-immigration enforcement messages from attendees — raises questions about whether a sitting justice should participate in a “highly politicized” setting. She cited performers wearing “ICE out” pins and remarks critical of federal immigration enforcement.
Blackburn’s letter urged Roberts to determine whether Jackson’s attendance complied with judicial ethics standards, emphasizing that justices should avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in the Court’s impartiality.
“For the following reasons, I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into Justice Jackson’s attendance at this event and whether her presence at such an event complies with the obligation that a Supreme Court justice ‘act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,’” Blackburn’s letter said.
She also mentioned the acceptance speech for the Album of the Year, where the winner stated, “Before I thank God, I’m going to say ICE out.” Blackburn did not specify the artist.
In another instance, the Song of the Year winner declared, “F— ICE.” Again, Blackburn did not name the performer.
“These statements were just two of many polarized, highly charged anti-law enforcement sentiments from that evening,” Blackburn wrote. “It is important to note that Justice Jackson was present in the audience throughout the event.”
A spokesman for the Supreme Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Blackburn’s request.
Conservative commentators have also criticized Jackson’s appearance, with some calling for her impeachment.
Jackson has previously defended her decision to attend the awards in response to Republican criticism, saying in media appearances that public scrutiny is part of serving in a high-profile role.
Conservative commentator Alex Marlow made a similar point as Blackburn.
“The fact that a Supreme Court Justice of the United States is showing up at an event like the Grammys, reducing herself to that level–and then applauding along as they attack our own law enforcement–is completely insane,” Marlow said.
Blackburn highlighted the difference between the current situation and previous Democratic criticisms of conservative justices. She mentioned the complaints regarding Justice Clarence Thomas, who disclosed and accepted trips from billionaire Harlan Crow, as well as the calls for Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Thomas denied wrongdoing and disclosed the trips. Alito rejected recusal demands, saying he had “an obligation to sit [for the cases].”
“Unlike these meritless claims against Justice Alito and Justice Thomas, there are serious questions regarding Justice Jackson’s participation in such a brazenly political, anti-law enforcement event and her ability to remain an impartial member of the Supreme Court,” Blackburn wrote.
