A Supreme Court justice just called an entire ideology a threat to America—this will spark debate.
Clarence Thomas delivered a forceful critique of progressivism on Wednesday, framing it as a direct challenge to the philosophical foundations of the United States during a televised address marking the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary.
Speaking at the University of Texas at Austin law school, Thomas argued that modern progressive thought seeks to replace the core principles of the Declaration of Independence—particularly the idea that rights are inherent and not granted by government.
“Progressivism seeks to replace the basic premises of the Declaration of Independence and hence our form of government,” Thomas said, warning that a growing number of Americans no longer accept the founding belief that individuals possess “unalienable rights.”
The 77-year-old justice, appointed by George H. W. Bush in 1991, did not reference specific political figures or policies. Instead, he cast his remarks in broader terms, describing what he sees as a cultural and intellectual shift—one driven in part by academic institutions and public discourse.
Thomas said a climate of “cynicism” and “hostility” toward the country has taken hold, arguing that this trend reflects a deeper rejection of traditional views on limited government, individual liberty, and the origin of rights.
In his view, progressivism redefines those rights as products of the state rather than inherent to individuals—a shift he described as incompatible with the constitutional framework. He also criticized what he called a lack of conviction among political leaders, accusing them of retreating from foundational principles under the guise of pragmatism.
The speech comes at a moment of heightened political polarization in the United States, where debates over the role of government, constitutional interpretation, and national identity remain deeply contested.
Thomas concluded by urging Americans to reaffirm the values he associates with the country’s founding, calling for a renewed sense of civic responsibility and, if necessary, personal sacrifice.
His remarks are likely to intensify ongoing debates about the direction of American political thought—particularly as the nation approaches a symbolic milestone that invites reflection on its founding ideals and their modern interpretation.
