Federal judges are facing a surge in death threats after ruling against the Trump administration, with many feeling under siege and fearing for their safety. In one striking example, Judge John Coughenour, who blocked President Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, received a cruel hoax report that he had murdered his wife, followed by a bomb threat. The judge, who was appointed by Ronald Reagan, said he has never encountered such hostility towards the judiciary in his 44 years on the bench.
Twenty-six federal judges, including nine Democratic appointees and 17 Republican appointees, spoke about the threats they have received after ruling against the Trump administration. Most of the judges refused to appear on camera, citing fear for their safety. The threats have become so common that the U.S. Marshals are overwhelmed, with 400 federal judges targeted by serious threats last year, a 78% jump in four years.
Judicial Threats on the Rise
The threats against judges are often sparked by President Trump’s incendiary comments, such as calling judges “fools” and “lapdogs” after they rule against him. The president’s rhetoric has provoked a torrent of death threats, with many judges receiving threatening messages on their voicemails. One judge received a message saying, “I hope your whole family and everybody you love is raped in front of you and has their heads cut off.”
Judge John Jones, a retired federal judge from Pennsylvania, said that the situation is “that stark” and that “if we’re not careful, we’re gonna get a judge killed.” Judge Jones is part of a bipartisan group of 55 retired judges who are lobbying the White House to stop demonizing judges. The group is concerned that the toxic environment created by the president’s rhetoric is putting judges’ lives at risk.
A Threat to the Judiciary
The surge in death threats against judges has significant implications for the independence of the judiciary. If judges are intimidated into ruling in favor of the administration, it could undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers. The situation is so serious that it has prompted calls for increased security measures to protect judges and their families.
The threats against judges are not just a matter of personal safety, but also a threat to the integrity of the judicial system. As Judge Coughenour said, “I think it’s because there are people who think that they can make a lot of political hay out of criticizing the federal judiciary.” The broader significance of this trend is that it highlights the erosion of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law in American society.
