Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R) is calling for a formal investigation into Ketanji Brown Jackson after the justice attended the Grammy Awards, where several performers delivered remarks critical of federal immigration enforcement.
Jackson was nominated in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category for her memoir “Lovely One,” though the award ultimately went to the Dalai Lama for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
Blackburn did not object to the nomination itself but took issue with the setting and tone of the event.
“Americans deserve a Supreme Court that is impartial and above political influence,” Blackburn wrote on X. “When a Justice participates in such a highly politicized event, it raises ethical questions.”
In a letter to John Roberts, Blackburn urged him to conduct “a thorough investigation” into whether Jackson’s attendance complied with judicial ethics standards.
Blackburn specifically cited comments made during the ceremony that were critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including acceptance speeches that featured explicit anti-ICE remarks.
“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.”
Reports also indicate Jackson was seen cheering at points during the ceremony, though details about specific moments remain limited.
Blackburn argued that a sitting Supreme Court justice attending such an event could raise concerns about impartiality in future immigration-related cases.
“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,’” the letter stated.
A Supreme Court spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Conservative commentators have echoed Blackburn’s concerns, with some suggesting impeachment should be considered, per the Conservative Brief.
Among them was conservative commentator Alex Marlow, who criticized Jackson’s appearance at the awards ceremony.
“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 contrasted the situation with prior Democratic criticism of conservative justices, including scrutiny of Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
Thomas has denied wrongdoing related to reported trips funded by billionaire Harlan Crow, and Alito previously declined calls to recuse himself from January 6-related cases.
Blackburn argued that, unlike those controversies, Jackson’s attendance at a “brazenly political” event presents serious questions about judicial impartiality.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions surrounding Supreme Court ethics and the public activities of justices outside the courtroom.
