Two House Democrats have urged Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. to seek congressional support in combating the alarming rise in threats against federal judges.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Hank Green of Georgia — ranking members on the House Judiciary Committee and its subcommittee on courts, respectively — sent a letter Monday expressing grave concerns about the escalating climate of intimidation facing the judiciary.
“Each and every one of these threats trouble us as not just Members of Congress who share the same kinds of threats in this hostile environment, but as Americans deeply invested in the ability of the judiciary to do its essential work without violent interference and intimidation,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter comes after Chief Justice Roberts himself highlighted the issue in his 2024 year-end report, noting that “violence, intimidation, disinformation and threats to defy lawfully entered judgments” were threatening judicial independence. According to U.S. Marshals Service statistics cited by Chief Roberts, hostile threats against judges have more than tripled over the past decade.
The issue has taken on political dimensions during the Trump administration, which has openly criticized judges ruling against presidential policies. Two judges in particular — James Boasberg and Paula Xinis — have faced personal attacks and calls for impeachment after issuing rulings related to deportation cases.
President Trump took to Truth Social to question Judge Boasberg’s impartiality, suggesting it was “statistically impossible” for him to be assigned multiple cases involving the administration and criticizing what he called a “rigged system.”
These impeachment threats prompted Chief Justice Roberts to issue a rare public statement, declaring that “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”
The Democratic lawmakers are now positioning themselves as allies in protecting judicial independence, writing: “We know our constitutional democracy relies strongly on the ability of Justices and judges to carry out your duties without fear of retaliation or harm. We are your partners in this endeavor, and we urge you to call upon us to help.”
Read more: Democrats urge judges to ask for more security aid regarding rise in threats
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
