Chief Justice Roberts Warns: Personal Attacks on Judges "Dangerous"

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that personal criticism directed at federal judges poses a danger and "it's got to stop." This statement followed two days after former President Donald Trump characterized a federal judge, who had ruled against his administration, as "wacky, nasty, crooked and totally out of control."

Roberts clarified that criticism of judicial opinions is an expected part of the role and can be beneficial. However, he distinguished this from criticism that moves beyond legal analysis, emphasizing:

"personally directed hostility is dangerous and it's got to stop."

He did not name specific individuals, noting that attacks on judges originate from various political perspectives.

Rising Threats and Judicial Security

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal, who appeared with Roberts, acknowledged the Chief Justice's consistent support for judges. The U.S. Marshals Service reported 564 threats against judges in the government fiscal year ending in September, an increase from the previous year.

Congress has responded to these "serious threats" by allocating more funding for judicial security.

Former President Trump's Criticisms

Targeting Judge James Boasberg

Trump's recent comments, posted on Truth Social, targeted U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg had quashed subpoenas issued by the Justice Department to the Federal Reserve.

Trump described Boasberg as "a Wacky, Nasty, Crooked, and totally Out of Control Judge" who "suffers from the highest level of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), and has been 'after' my people, and me, for years."

Last year, Roberts had publicly disagreed with Trump's call for Boasberg's impeachment.

Criticism of Supreme Court Justices

Former President Trump has also voiced strong criticism of Roberts and five other justices for striking down global tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law. Trump expressed being "absolutely ashamed" of the court members who ruled against him, questioning their patriotism and specifically naming his appointees, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch.

Allies Also Engage in Criticism

Trump's allies and administration officials have similarly engaged in criticism. Following U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy's decision in Boston to block an administration effort to reshape vaccines policy, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked that Murphy's other rulings had been overturned.

Blanche posted on X, questioning, "How many times can Judge Murphy get reversed in one year? The same day he is stayed for repeatedly refusing to follow the law, he issues another activist decision. We will keep appealing these lawless decisions, and we will keep winning. The question is, how much embarrassment can this Judge take?"