At the annual Federalist Society dinner on Thursday night, Justice Neil Gorsuch delivered a keynote speech that took aim at government overreach.
Speaking to a crowd of conservative legal minds gathered at Washington Hilton’s ballroom, Gorsuch shared the quirky tale of “P’nut the Squirrel”—an Instagram-famous pet squirrel recently seized and euthanized by New York state due to rabies fears.
“I’ve seen too many cases like this one,” Gorsuch said, drawing laughter from the audience.
“Yes, I’m speaking of P’nut the squirrel.”
The story resonated with conservatives who see it as a clear example of excessive government interference in people’s lives, especially amid wider debates over border security and public health.
Conservatives have pointed out the irony that while the administration has struggled to secure the southern border, state officials were expending energy on tracking down a pet squirrel.
This year’s Antonin Scalia Memorial Dinner, named for the late conservative justice whom Gorsuch succeeded on the Supreme Court, took an interesting turn with the presence of retired Justice Stephen Breyer.
Known for his more liberal positions on the bench, Breyer’s participation was a surprise, but it underscored a message of civility and unity in America’s highest court, even in politically divided times.
Breyer, who was warmly received by the conservative crowd, reminded attendees of his connection to the Federalist Society.
“I attended the first Federalist Society meeting at Yale University in 1982,” he noted, pointing to the organization’s growth over the years as a major influence in conservative judicial circles.
Despite ideological differences, Breyer and Gorsuch appeared in lockstep, sharing lighthearted banter and mutual praise as they discussed the importance of judicial independence.
Breyer acknowledged the public’s right to criticize judges but stressed that the institution itself must remain autonomous to fulfill its constitutional role.
“Each case makes a difference to a lot of people,” he said. “And those judges, you can’t say don’t criticize them—criticize them, fine. But the institution has to be independent.”
In addition to Gorsuch and Breyer’s lively discussion, Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett were also in attendance, while Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Justice Samuel Alito did not attend.
P’nut and Fred have not been murdered in vain.
Hello!
Good cheer to all on this beautiful day!!!!!
Good luck 🙂