Judge Judy Criticizes Immigrants Who Complain About US, Says 'Go Somewhere Else'
The television judge stated that those unhappy with the United States should relocate to other countries that better suit their preferences.
Television personality Judge Judy Sheindlin has voiced strong opinions regarding immigrants who come to the United States but subsequently express dissatisfaction with the country. In a recent interview with USA Today, Sheindlin asserted that individuals unhappy with the U.S. should consider leaving.
"If you don't like this country, go somewhere else," Sheindlin stated. "Don't come to the greatest country in the world, the most successful country in the world and say, 'I want to change it.' There are other countries that have something else that you want? Go there."
Sheindlin, known for her direct approach on her long-running courtroom program, also commented on political ideologies, stating that America is a capitalist nation that "revered excellence." She criticized proponents of socialism, emphasizing that inherent differences exist among people.
Her remarks generated significant discussion online and were addressed on the television program The View. Panelists on The View offered differing perspectives. Ana Navarro argued that those seeking change should remain in the U.S. to engage in the political process through voting and organizing. Sunny Hostin suggested Sheindlin's comments aligned with a "MAGA message," while Sara Haines indicated support for Sheindlin's sentiment, suggesting that immigrants wishing to alter a nation's core principles should seek residency elsewhere.
Responding to critics, Sheindlin told Fox News, "It’s gonna take a lot more than Ana Navarro to shut me up." She defended her position by stating that the U.S. was "founded on certain principles" and that advocating for socialism rather than capitalism represented a departure from the nation's core identity.
Sheindlin further elaborated on her viewpoint, comparing the United States to a home. She suggested that guests invited into a home should not demand alterations to its decor. While she indicated openness to improvements, she expressed opposition to drastic changes that could be likened to "burning" the house down.
Although Sheindlin largely remained outside the political arena during her television career, she has made political endorsements. She backed Michael Bloomberg in the 2020 presidential election and Nikki Haley in 2024. She reportedly joked that she does not anticipate further endorsement requests after the candidates she supported did not win. She described politics as a "disgusting business."
Before her television career, Sheindlin served as a family court judge. Her son, Adam Levy, has continued in a similar vein with his program "Adam's Law."