Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson attend Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. AP Photo
U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts responded on Tuesday to former President Donald Trump’s recent attack on a federal judge. Trump had called for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg after the judge blocked his administration’s attempt to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. Roberts firmly rejected the idea, stating that impeachment is not the answer to disagreements over judicial decisions.
"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Roberts said. He emphasized that the proper way to challenge a ruling is through the normal appeals process.
Trump had criticized Boasberg for halting his deportation order under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which is usually only used during wartime. Trump argued that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was carrying out irregular warfare against the U.S., justifying the deportations. However, Boasberg imposed a two-week pause, preventing further removals.
Despite the court’s ruling, Trump officials proceeded with some deportations. Homeland Security official Robert Cerna confirmed that three flights carrying deportees left for El Salvador on Saturday. Only one of the flights took off after Boasberg’s order was made public, and Cerna claimed that everyone on board had individual removal orders unrelated to the Alien Enemies Act.
Trump vented his frustration on social media, calling Boasberg an “unelected troublemaker” and saying, "This judge, like many of the crooked judges I am forced to appear before, should be impeached!!!"
The former president’s harsh words raised concerns over the growing tension between the White House and the judiciary. Legal experts and lawmakers warned that such comments could undermine public trust in the court system.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, also dismissed the court’s ruling. In a television interview, he stated, "We're not stopping. I don't care what the judges think." This defiant stance has sparked fears of a constitutional crisis, with officials disregarding judicial authority.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott weighed in, saying that judges sometimes misinterpret the law but stopped short of encouraging defiance.
Meanwhile, threats against judges have been increasing. Roberts, in his year-end report, warned of rising violence and intimidation aimed at the judiciary. Federal judges have faced mounting threats since the 2020 election, when courts handled controversial cases, including Trump’s failed legal challenges over his election loss.
Billionaire Elon Musk has also fueled anti-judge sentiment. He has made over 30 social media posts criticizing judges, calling them "corrupt" and "evil." Legal experts say such statements contribute to growing hostility against the judiciary.
Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh was previously targeted in an alleged assassination attempt in 2022. The suspect, Nicholas Roske, reportedly traveled across the country with the intent to kill Kavanaugh over court rulings on abortion and gun control.
The recent clash between Trump and the courts has reignited fears over judicial independence. Legal experts warn that political attacks on judges could erode trust in the justice system and put judges at greater risk.
