Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, has openly criticized the threats and harassment faced by federal judges, particularly from the Trump administration. She emphasized that these attacks are not isolated incidents but are designed to intimidate judges performing their duties. Justice Jackson highlighted that these actions endanger democracy and the rule of law.
The article cites instances of the Trump administration targeting judges whose rulings went against their interests. A notable example is the case of Judge James Boasberg, who was labeled a “lunatic” by Trump and faced calls for impeachment after blocking mass deportations. Chief Justice John Roberts responded to Trump's actions, emphasizing the need to resolve disputes through institutional channels rather than resorting to impeachment.
Justice Jackson's remarks were well-received by a judicial audience, who applauded her stance. Her speech followed similar concerns expressed by Vice President Kamala Harris, who warned about a potential constitutional crisis if the balance of powers continues to weaken. Organizations like Speak Up for Justice have also noted an increase in threats against judges, illustrating the severity of the situation.