Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Rebukes Trump’s Criticism of the Judiciary and Its Judges

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson spoke out on Thursday regarding the ongoing attacks from former President Donald Trump and his supporters directed at judges. She described these assaults as “not random,” suggesting they are strategically aimed at intimidating the judicial system. Chief Justice John Roberts had previously responded to Trump’s calls for the impeachment of a federal judge, highlighting the growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary as Trump’s broad claims of power are met with judicial resistance. During her address at a judges’ conference in Puerto Rico, Jackson emphasized the troubling nature of the threats, asserting that they are “designed to intimidate those of us who serve in this critical capacity.”

Federal judges have been vocal about how the Trump administration has allegedly disregarded court orders related to issues like foreign aid and federal spending.

Although the administration maintains that it has not defied judicial authority, it has expressed disapproval towards rulings and judges that obstruct its actions. Jackson warned that the threats and harassment attacks represent a danger to democracy and the legal system. She argued that such actions could ultimately undermine the Constitution and the rule of law. Although she did not name Trump explicitly, her reference to “the elephant in the room” made her sentiment clear.

Her remarks resonated with the audience, earning her a standing ovation as reported by various media outlets. The charged political climate during Trump’s presidency has raised alarms among legal experts about the possibility of a constitutional crisis, especially given the Supreme Court’s current 6-3 conservative majority.