BELLEVUE, Wash. — Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan addressed concerns about the judiciary’s independence from the executive branch during remarks to an audience of lawyers and judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday.

Kagan, one of three liberal justices on the high court, acknowledged that the current Supreme Court is ideologically conservative, but emphasized that it does not act as a mere extension of President Donald Trump’s administration. Speaking in Bellevue, Washington, she noted that on several significant occasions, the court has exercised its authority to check the executive branch.

“Is this court very conservative? Does it do a bunch of things that are out of the playbook of the conservative legal movement that I think are deeply wrong? You know, yes,” Kagan said. However, she added that the Supreme Court is “definitely not” a puppet for the current administration.

Her remarks come amid ongoing debate over the court’s role and perceived partisanship, especially as the justices have handed down decisions closely aligned with conservative legal principles. Kagan’s comments serve to highlight the institution’s role as an independent arbiter, even in a politically charged climate.

The Supreme Court currently consists of six justices appointed by Republican presidents, including three by Trump, which has shifted the court’s balance to a solid conservative majority. Despite this ideological tilt, Kagan’s statements suggest that the court maintains a degree of autonomy in evaluating actions by the executive branch.