Retired Judges Respond to Controversial Comments
Former judges are pushing back against Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s assertion that it is time to wage a ‘war’ on activist judges as the administration seeks to uphold President Trump’s policies in court.
The Article III Coalition, comprised of approximately 50 former federal judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic administrations, has expressed concern that such ‘war’ language poses a threat to the judiciary and the rule of law.
“The idea of a ‘war’ on judges is not only incendiary; it undermines constitutional principles,” stated former Judge Paul R. Michel, who was appointed by Reagan and served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He emphasized that the judiciary’s role is to interpret laws fairly and maintain checks on other government branches, rather than serve partisan interests.
Blanche made his comments during a recent Federalist Society event, urging young lawyers to support the administration’s fight against what he termed ‘activist judges.’ He remarked, “We need you because it is a war, and we will not prevail unless we continue our efforts,” adding that Department of Justice attorneys are actively contesting these judicial decisions across the nation.
The Trump administration has encountered over 500 lawsuits since taking office as opponents strive to halt his policies through court injunctions affecting various issues from education to immigration and federal employment practices.
This heated rhetoric comes at a time when judges are facing increasing physical threats, according to data from the American Bar Association. The U.S. Marshals Service reported an increase in serious threats investigated, rising from 179 in 2019 to 457 in 2023.
