Judge Judy said people who dislike America should leave, sharing her views on capitalism, national identity and civility.
Judy Sheindlin, 83, made the remarks in a USA Today interview published as her television career reached its 30th anniversary.
“If you don’t like this country, go somewhere else,” she said, according to Fox News’ account of the interview.
Sheindlin Defends Capitalism
Sheindlin described America as her home and credited the country with giving her opportunities. She argued that people seeking a fundamentally different system should consider living elsewhere rather than changing the United States.
She also praised capitalism, entrepreneurship and excellence, describing them as central to the country’s success.
Her comments reflected her personal political and social views, rather than a specific legislative proposal.
Concerns About Political Divisions
Sheindlin also expressed concern about hostility between people with different political beliefs, including relatives who struggle to discuss their disagreements respectfully.
She suggested that many Americans feel nostalgic for the 1950s because they associate that period with greater respect and order. That characterization was her opinion, not a finding about public attitudes.
Her remarks echoed the themes of rules, accountability and personal responsibility that have long shaped her courtroom television persona.
CBS Marks 30 Years of Judge Judy
The interview coincided with “Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable,” a 90-minute CBS special scheduled for September 22 to mark the original show’s 30th anniversary.
According to CBS’ announcement, the program traces Sheindlin’s journey from her Brooklyn childhood through New York City Family Court and into television.
“Judge Judy” debuted in 1996 and ran for 25 seasons before ending its original production in 2021. Sheindlin later continued her television courtroom career with “Judy Justice.”