Trump Attacks ‘Radical Left’ Judge who Halted Deportations, Says ‘Lives Would be Devastated’ if Jurists had their Way Against Him

President Donald Trump unleashed sharp criticism on U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg and other “radical left judges” in a social media post on Sunday.

Trump Takes Aim at ‘Radical Left Judges’

The former president expressed his frustration with the judicial system, claiming that if it were up to these judges, he would be unable to perform his duties, and American lives would be at risk. His comments were centered around ongoing legal cases, including one related to his administration’s mass deportations and a case involving a controversy surrounding his use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to remove certain immigrants. Trump specifically targeted Judge Boasberg, a Barack Obama appointee, accusing him of obstructing the administration’s efforts to deport Venezuelans under the AEA, a law dating back to 1798. Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on March 15, halting the deportations, and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this ruling last week, denying a Justice Department request to lift the restriction.

The Deportation Case and Trump’s Response

Trump argued that his election was a mandate for law and order, emphasizing the importance of swiftly removing individuals from the country who entered illegally. He claimed that these individuals were dangerous criminals, responsible for violence and harm across the nation, and that voters overwhelmingly supported efforts to expel them. In his Truth Social post, he stated, “If it were up to District Judge Boasberg and other Radical Left Judges, nobody would be removed, the President wouldn’t be allowed to do his job, and people’s lives would be devastated throughout our Country.” The deportation case remains a focal point of Trump’s criticism of the judiciary, as it challenges the Trump administration’s attempts to take aggressive action against illegal immigration. The president framed his legal battles as part of his broader promise to restore order and protect American citizens.

Trump Calls for Boasberg’s Impeachment

Trump’s criticisms extended beyond the deportation case. The judge is also overseeing a lawsuit related to the administration’s Signal group chat scandal, further fueling Trump’s ire. The president’s allies have rallied around him, with figures like Mike Davis, former chief counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, calling for Boasberg’s impeachment. Davis described the judge’s rulings as “lawless” and argued that they were undermining the president’s constitutional powers.

Trump himself has previously suggested that Boasberg should face impeachment, labeling him a “Radical Left Lunatic.” This inflammatory rhetoric has led to public pushback, including a rare statement from Chief Justice John G. Roberts, who rebuked the calls for judicial impeachment. Roberts emphasized the longstanding principle that judicial disagreements should be addressed through the normal appellate review process, not through impeachment.

The Impeachment Process and Judicial Independence

While Trump’s supporters push for Boasberg’s impeachment, such a process remains highly unlikely. Impeaching a federal judge requires a majority vote in the House of Representatives, and removal requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. Since the founding of the United States, only 15 federal judges have been impeached, and only eight were convicted and removed from office. Despite these obstacles, Trump’s rhetoric highlights the deepening divide between his administration and certain segments of the judiciary. The ongoing battle between the executive branch and the courts underscores the delicate balance of powers in the U.S. government and raises critical questions about the role of the judiciary in shaping national policies, particularly those relating to immigration.