In a rare public statement, Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked President Donald Trump’s recent calls to impeach federal judges who have ruled against his administration’s policies, emphasizing that impeachment is not an appropriate response to judicial decisions.
The controversy arose after Judge James Boasberg, appointed by President Barack Obama, issued a temporary injunction halting the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. The Trump administration had invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify the expulsions, asserting that the individuals posed a threat to national security. However, Judge Boasberg’s ruling questioned the application of this centuries-old law, leading to a legal standoff.
In response to the injunction, President Trump took to social media, labeling Judge Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic” and calling for his impeachment. Trump’s post read: “This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!”
Chief Justice Roberts, without directly naming President Trump, issued a statement underscoring the inappropriateness of using impeachment as a tool against judges based on their rulings. He stated, “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”
This isn’t the first time Chief Justice Roberts has defended the judiciary’s independence. In 2018, he responded to President Trump’s criticism of an “Obama judge” by asserting that the U.S. does not have “Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges,” but rather “an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.”
The calls for Judge Boasberg’s impeachment have found support among some of President Trump’s allies. Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced articles of impeachment against Boasberg, accusing him of overstepping executive authority with a political ruling. Impeachment of a federal judge requires a majority vote in the House of Representatives and a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Historically, only eight federal judges have been impeached and removed from office, highlighting the gravity and rarity of such actions.
Legal experts warn that targeting judges for their rulings threatens the foundational principle of judicial independence. Impeachment is traditionally reserved for cases of misconduct, not for disagreements over legal interpretations. Paul Smith, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, noted that using impeachment to retaliate against judicial decisions could lead to a “slippery slope” where judges might feel pressured to rule in favor of the prevailing political winds, undermining the checks and balances system.
The judiciary’s role as an independent arbiter is crucial in maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government. Chief Justice Roberts’ recent statements serve as a reminder of this delicate balance and the importance of preserving the courts’ autonomy from political pressures. As the nation navigates these contentious issues, the judiciary’s independence remains a cornerstone of American democracy.
