Harris Rallies Donors to Oppose Potential Trump SCOTUS Picks

Former VP backs radical plan from liberal group Demand Justice to block future conservative Supreme Court nominees

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:10pm

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is urging Democratic donors to contribute to the dark-money group Demand Justice, which is preparing a multimillion-dollar effort to oppose any potential Supreme Court nominees selected by former President Donald Trump before they are even nominated. Harris has voiced support for court packing in the past, and this fundraising push suggests she may seek to expand the Court if Democrats regain power.

Why it matters

This aggressive strategy by Harris and Demand Justice represents a renewed push by the left to reshape the Supreme Court in a more liberal direction, either by blocking conservative nominees or expanding the number of justices. If successful, it could have far-reaching implications for the Court's ideological balance and its rulings on key issues.

The details

Demand Justice President Josh Orton announced the group's plan to spend $3 million initially and up to $15 million more if vacancies occur, specifically citing the possibility of Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito retiring. Harris has publicly backed the group's efforts, urging people to contribute and warning that 'we cannot allow Donald Trump to hand pick one, if not two, additional justices.' The former VP has previously voiced support for court packing, and this fundraising push suggests she may seek to expand the Court to create an immediate liberal majority if Democrats regain power.

  • Demand Justice announced its multimillion-dollar plan in April 2026.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States who is rallying Democratic donors to oppose potential Supreme Court nominees selected by former President Donald Trump.

Josh Orton

President of the dark-money group Demand Justice, which is preparing a multimillion-dollar effort to oppose potential Trump Supreme Court appointees.

Demand Justice

A liberal organization that has pushed a radical agenda, including court packing, and is now leading the effort to block future conservative Supreme Court nominees.

Clarence Thomas

A 77-year-old Supreme Court Justice who Demand Justice has cited as a potential retiree, opening up a vacancy for the group to try to block.

Samuel Alito

A 76-year-old Supreme Court Justice who Demand Justice has cited as a potential retiree, opening up a vacancy for the group to try to block.

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What they’re saying

“We must be clear eyed about what is at stake with the Supreme Court right now. We cannot allow Donald Trump to hand pick one, if not two, additional justices. The nation's highest court must be stopped from becoming even more beholden to him.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

What’s next

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The takeaway

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