In a rare public appearance in New York City, Justice Amy Coney Barrett made it clear that her sharp words aimed at Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson weren’t a slip of the tongue—they were warranted. Imagine that, a Supreme Court Justice actually defending her principles instead of sugarcoating for the media.

Speaking with Bari Weiss at the Lincoln Center, Barrett explained that Jackson’s argument on universal injunctions was delivered “in strong terms,” and she felt it deserved a strong rebuttal. Translation: if you bring fire, don’t be surprised when someone throws a little heat back your way.

Barrett, appointed by President Trump (a fact the left never seems to forgive her for), has never been known to pick fights just for show. As she put it, “I personally tend not to be spicy for the sake of being spicy, but I am from New Orleans and everyone likes a little Tabasco once in a while.” A little Louisiana flavor on the Supreme Court bench—finally something the American people can enjoy.

The context here is critical: universal injunctions, those judicial tools weaponized by lower courts to stall President Trump’s policies, only for the Supreme Court to overturn them time and again. In Trump v. CASA, Barrett authored the opinion that slammed the brakes on this abuse. Naturally, Jackson wasn’t thrilled, pushing what Barrett described as an “imperial judiciary” approach. Because of course, who doesn’t want unelected judges running the country?

Barrett was careful to remind the audience that she wasn’t attacking Jackson personally: “I attack ideas. I don’t attack people.” A nod to her mentor, Justice Antonin Scalia. That’s called principle—something in short supply these days.

In a lightning round of questions about her fellow justices, Barrett showed her lighter side. She labeled Roberts as “Chief,” Gorsuch as “out west,” Kavanaugh as “sports,” and Jackson—after a pause—as “actor, Broadway.” A touch of wit never hurt anyone, especially when it lands with the crowd.

At the end of the day, Barrett’s message was clear: differences on the Court are about ideas, not personalities. And in an era where too many want to turn every disagreement into a political circus, it’s refreshing to see a Justice who stands firm, defends the Constitution, and isn’t afraid to add a little spice when it’s needed. America could use more of that courage—and a dash of Tabasco too.