Overview

• Speaking at the SCOTUSblog Summit in Washington, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said she does not view herself as a swing vote and described her judging as consistent with her philosophy.
• Barrett outlined a two-part recusal framework—actual bias or the appearance of bias—and said she often avoids publicly stating reasons to prevent identifying people who could be targeted.
• She cited intimidation tactics such as unsolicited pizza deliveries to her home and family members as examples of risks that inform her approach to disclosure.
• Her votes have been decisive in recent emergency appeals, including an NIH dispute where her split position allowed the administration to cancel grants but kept a block on agency guidance.
• Barrett did not participate in a high-profile case on publicly funded religious charter schools, resulting in a 4-4 tie, and she has not explained that recusal as some colleagues have begun to do.