As discussions about impeaching activist judges continue to heat up, Republican lawmakers are also weighing other strategies to address what they see as a partisan legal system.
House Speaker Floats Court Shutdowns
During a press conference on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., suggested that Congress could take bold steps, including shutting down federal courts.
“We have authority over the federal courts,” Johnson told reporters. “Entire district court can be eliminated. We’re controling court funding and other aspects of the judiciary. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Congress will act.”
Impeachment and Other Measures Under Consideration
Johnson was later asked about GOP calls to impeach judges accused of making politically motivated rulings.
“Everything is on the table,” he responded. “Impeachment is an extraordinary measure, but we are exploring all available options.”
While the U.S. Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, it grants Congress the power to create and regulate lower federal courts. Lawmakers have previously dissolved courts when necessary.
On Tuesday, Johnson met with House Judiciary Committee members for what was described as a “brainstorming session” on handling judges who repeatedly block Trump-backed policies, according to the Independent.
Trump Calls for Immediate Investigation Into Judiciary
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy early Thursday, demanding an “immediate investigation” into what he called a “rigged” judicial system.
His statement followed reports that U.S. District Judge James Boasberg had been assigned to oversee a lawsuit concerning the administration’s use of the Signal app to discuss military strikes on Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
Boasberg previously clashed with Trump by blocking the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. That ruling sparked calls from Trump and his allies for the judge’s impeachment.
“Our nation’s courts are broken, with New York and D.C. being the most corrupt and radical of all,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “An immediate investigation is needed before it’s too late!”
GOP Pushes Bill to Limit Judges’ Nationwide Injunctions
Johnson also voiced support for a Republican-backed bill aimed at curbing the power of district judges to issue sweeping rulings.
Earlier this month, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., introduced the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA) to restrict judges from making decisions that impact individuals outside their jurisdiction.
With growing concerns over judicial overreach, Republicans appear poised to take aggressive action. Whether that means impeachments, court closures, or new legislation, the battle over the judiciary is far from over.
About The Author
