Trump Administration Clashes with Judiciary Over Deportation Orders
The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with the judicial branch, criticizing judges for blocking executive orders and halting deportation flights.
The White House has accused the judiciary of behaving ’erroneously’ after several judges blocked President Donald Trump’s executive orders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt specifically criticized judges for acting as ‘partisan activists’ from the bench, particularly in response to a recent ruling by Judge James Boasberg of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Boasberg’s order halted the deportation of migrants allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a move the White House claims had ’no lawful basis’ as the flights had already departed U.S. airspace.
In response to Boasberg’s ruling, President Trump called for the judge’s impeachment via social media, prompting Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a rare statement condemning Trump’s remarks. Roberts emphasized that impeachment is not a suitable response to judicial disagreements. Despite this, Representative Brandon Gill, R-Texas, introduced an impeachment resolution against Boasberg, alleging ‘high crimes’.
Leavitt argued that there is a concerted effort by the far left to ‘judge shop’ and select judges who oppose Trump’s agenda. She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing its mass deportation campaign, despite no immediate plans for flights to El Salvador. Boasberg has requested further details from the administration about the timing of the deportation flights, with a response due by Thursday.
The clash with the judiciary is part of a broader pattern, with over 125 lawsuits filed against Trump’s administration following the signing of more than 90 executive orders since January. Other recent legal setbacks include U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes blocking Trump’s order to bar transgender individuals from military service, describing the ban as ‘soaked in animus’.
As legal battles continue, the tension between the executive and judicial branches remains high, with the Trump administration determined to push forward its agenda despite opposition from the courts.