Trump's Vicious Attacks on Judges Fuel His Bid for Unchecked Power
When Donald Trump unleashed a tirade against Supreme Court justices, labeling them as "fools," "lapdogs," and a "disgrace to our nation" following a ruling against his tariffs, it marked one of the most vicious public assaults by a U.S. president on the nation's highest court. However, this outburst is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign where Trump and his top aides vehemently denounce and smear judges to advance his quest for ever more power.
A Pattern of Brutal Rhetoric Against the Judiciary
Whether through Trump himself or his lieutenants like Stephen Miller and Pam Bondi, the administration consistently pummels judges with brutal rhetoric. These attacks often portray judges as traitors whenever they side with the rule of law instead of Trump, fostering an environment of contempt and enmity. For many judges, such rhetoric sparks fears of threats or worse from Trump loyalists, undermining their safety and independence.
This campaign follows Authoritarian Playbook 101: by mocking and demeaning the judiciary, the autocratic leader seeks to diminish public trust and respect for judges. This makes it easier for the leader to position himself above the judiciary, asserting that judicial rulings are illegitimate and justifying defiance. In recent months, the Trump administration has repeatedly defied judicial orders, with reports of violating dozens of court rulings in states like New Jersey and Minnesota.
Escalating Attacks and Lack of Pushback
Trump's attacks have escalated over time, with little pushback from the judiciary, Congress, or society. In October 2024, he denounced federal district court judge Tanya Chutkan as "the most evil person" while she presided over an election interference case. In March 2025, he labeled judge James Boasberg a "radical left lunatic" after a ruling on deportation flights. Last May, Trump railed against judges in deportation cases, calling them "monsters" and "USA hating judges," a deranged way to talk about a co-equal branch of government.
Echoing this nastiness, Stephen Miller has launched tirades against the "rogue, radical left judiciary," accusing judges of a "judicial coup" and "judicial tyranny." Pam Bondi has slammed judges for "undemocratic judicial activism," while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has blasted decisions as "radical" and "ridiculous." Trump and his team are not merely criticizing judges; they are essentially arguing that judges are so biased and corrupt that they should not be considered a legitimate part of the constitutional structure, sabotaging the nation's system of checks and balances.
Threats and Intimidation Against Judges
These attacks have stirred up horrific threats against judges. For example, Chief Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island received a ghastly voicemail threatening assassination after a ruling against the administration. Many judges have received unsolicited pizzas sent to their homes, widely seen as an "I-know-where-you-live" intimidation tactic. Despite the venomous nature of these attacks and the threats they incite, there has been startlingly little pushback from the Supreme Court and Congress.
Fortunately, groups like Speak Up for Justice, comprising lawyers, professors, and retired judges, have formed to support judges under attack. However, Chief Justice John Roberts, while protecting Trump in rulings on immunity, has done remarkably little to defend judges from Trump's assaults. After Trump called for a judge's impeachment, Roberts issued a weak response, emphasizing that impeachment is not appropriate for judicial disagreements. In his year-end reports, Roberts has made mild statements against intimidation but failed to address Trump's escalating venom directly.
The Folly of Turning a Blind Eye
Roberts and other justices are learning the folly of ignoring Trump's brutishness. A bully like Trump sees such silence as weakness, inviting escalation in his war against the judiciary. Trump's authoritarian tactics aim to destroy the judiciary's credibility through insults, intimidation, and threats of impeachment, all to facilitate lawless actions unchecked by the rule of law.
Every Supreme Court justice, federal, state, and local judge, senator, House member, governor, state attorney general, and law professor must speak out to denounce these attacks. They must make clear that Trump's efforts are an unconscionable attempt to take a wrecking ball to the rule of law, threatening the very foundations of democracy. The time for silence is over; defending the judiciary is essential to preserving our constitutional integrity.
