U.S. district judges continue to issue injunctions against President Donald Trump’s agenda, prompting the White House to demand intervention from the Supreme Court.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The White House on March 19 called upon the U.S. Supreme Court to take immediate action against federal judges who are issuing rulings that block President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing key policies. Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted, “It’s incumbent upon the Supreme Court to rein in these activist judges,” adding, “These partisan activists are undermining the judicial branch by doing so.”
Leavitt specifically criticized U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who recently blocked the Trump administration’s effort to deport individuals suspected of membership in the Tren de Aragua gang under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. President Trump responded by accusing Boasberg of trying to “assume the role of president” and further called for the impeachment of Boasberg and other judges he said were obstructing his authority.
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement in response to Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.” He advised litigants to pursue appeals through the normal judicial process.
Leavitt acknowledged Trump’s stance, stating, “The president has made it clear that he believes this judge in this case should be impeached and he has also made it clear that he has great respect for the Chief Justice John Roberts.” She further accused the judges involved of acting as “partisan activists from the bench,” asserting they are “trying to clearly slow-walk this administration’s agenda, and it’s unacceptable.”
Judge Boasberg’s order halted deportations of alleged Tren de Aragua gang members unless those individuals were already subject to removal. Following the ruling, U.S. officials confirmed that one flight occurred post-order, but those deported had completed immigration proceedings. Two other flights had already departed before the injunction was issued, according to ICE official Robert Cerna. Despite this, legal representatives for certain Venezuelan nationals argued the administration violated the order.
Boasberg has scheduled a hearing for Friday to assess compliance with his directive.
Additional rulings against the Trump administration include orders to reinstate nearly 25,000 workers, a decision blocking the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and an injunction pausing Trump’s order to remove transgender-identifying service members.
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s intent to challenge these rulings: “White House counsel and the Department of Justice are working on this. They’re appealing these cases and we will continue to use the full weight of the White House counsel’s office and the president’s team of lawyers to fight this in court because we know we will win even if we have to go all the way to the Supreme Court.”
The Department of Justice recently filed a request with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to have the deportation case reassigned, accusing Boasberg of employing “unusual and improper procedures.” Oral arguments in the appeal are scheduled for Monday.
Supreme Court justices have in past years indicated concern over nationwide injunctions. Justice Clarence Thomas, in a 2018 concurrence supporting Trump’s travel ban, noted, “They appear to be inconsistent with longstanding limits on equitable relief and the power of Article III courts. If their popularity continues, this court must address their legality.”
Some GOP lawmakers have filed impeachment articles against at least five judges, including Boasberg, though none have passed the House. Judges may serve for life unless impeached and convicted. The House requires a simple majority to adopt impeachment articles; the Senate needs a two-thirds vote to convict. Republicans currently control both chambers, holding 53 of 100 Senate seats.
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), a co-sponsor of articles against Boasberg, stated, “The American people voted for President Trump’s agenda. Not Judge James Boasberg’s. We must hold these activist judges responsible for their executive overreach.”
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