Judges Under Siege: The Fight Against Trump’s Political Impeachment Push

Federal judges across the country are raising alarms over what they see as a dangerous trend—efforts to impeach jurists whose rulings don’t align with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. These judges say the attacks threaten the independence of the judiciary, a cornerstone of American democracy.

“We take an oath to uphold the Constitution, not to serve any political party,” said U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Sullivan. “Impeachment should never be a tool to punish judges for decisions some people don’t like.”

A Surge in Threats and Pressure

The concern isn’t just about political pressure—it’s about personal safety. Judges have reported a rise in threats, leading to increased security measures from the U.S. Marshals Service. The tension has been amplified by figures like Elon Musk, who has taken to social media to call judges “corrupt” and demand their removal.

“Judges are getting death threats over decisions they made based on the law,” said one federal judge, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s terrifying, and it’s unprecedented.”

Impeachment as a Political Weapon?

Impeaching a federal judge is an extreme measure, historically reserved for serious misconduct. Yet, in recent months, some Republican lawmakers have pushed for the removal of judges who have ruled against Trump’s policies.

For example, Representative Derrick Van Orden introduced articles of impeachment against Judge Paul Engelmayer after he blocked a Trump-backed plan to access certain Treasury Department data.

“This isn’t about wrongdoing,” said a former federal prosecutor. “It’s about punishing judges for doing their jobs.”

Judge Sullivan warned that this approach could have lasting consequences. “If we start impeaching judges over rulings, where does it stop? Judges are supposed to interpret the law—not rule based on fear of retaliation.”

Judicial Independence at Risk

The Federal Judges Association, representing over 1,100 jurists, has issued a rare public statement condemning what it calls “irresponsible rhetoric and attacks” that erode public trust in the judiciary.

“Our job is to apply the law fairly, regardless of political consequences,” the statement read. “Efforts to intimidate judges undermine the very foundation of our democracy.”

But not all judges agree on how to respond. U.S. Circuit Judge James Ho resigned from the association, arguing that it only speaks out when liberal judges are under attack.

“Where was this outrage when conservative judges were targeted?” he asked. “Judicial independence should matter no matter which party is in power.”

A Dangerous Precedent

Since the founding of the U.S., only 15 federal judges have been impeached, and just eight were convicted. Legal scholars warn that if political figures normalize the process as a way to remove judges over rulings, it could have chilling effects on the legal system.

“This is a slippery slope,” said a constitutional law expert. “If judges fear losing their jobs over politically unpopular decisions, the entire concept of an independent judiciary crumbles.”

Trump, Musk, and the Court of Public Opinion

Public figures are adding fuel to the fire. Elon Musk has gone on social media rants, calling for the impeachment of judges he sees as obstacles to Trump’s policies.

“When you have someone with Musk’s influence pushing this narrative, it emboldens people who already believe the system is rigged,” said a legal analyst. “That’s how you get threats, violence, and instability.”

The Bigger Picture

The growing hostility toward judges raises a larger question: What happens when courts lose their independence? If political pressure dictates judicial rulings, the balance of power between the branches of government is at risk.

For now, judges are standing their ground. “We are doing our level best to uphold the law,” Judge Sullivan said. “And we will not be intimidated.”