Judge Mark Wolf, who served on the federal bench since 1985 after being appointed by President Ronald Reagan, has stepped down to openly criticize what he describes as former President Donald Trump’s abuse of legal power.
In a heartfelt op-ed published in The Atlantic, Wolf wrote that Trump is “using the law for partisan purposes — punishing his opponents while protecting his friends.” The retired judge said such conduct stands against everything he has defended over his 50-year career in the Department of Justice and the federal courts.
Why Judge Wolf Chose to Resign
Wolf, now 78, explained that his resignation allows him to speak freely and defend democracy without the limitations placed on sitting judges. “Silence is no longer tolerable,” he wrote. He emphasized that Trump cannot appoint his replacement because Barack Obama already named Judge Indira Talwani to that seat in 2013.
Now, Wolf plans to advocate for judicial independence and collaborate with legal organizations fighting to protect the rule of law. “I intend to support litigation and work with others devoted to safeguarding American democracy,” he said.
A Call to Action for Justice and Integrity
Quoting Robert F. Kennedy’s famous words on moral courage, Wolf reflected:
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. Enough ripples can become a tidal wave.”
Wolf acknowledged that he cannot predict whether his actions will bring change but said he is driven by duty to speak up in the face of what he called an “existential threat to democracy.”
Criticism of Trump’s Executive Actions
Wolf’s essay condemned Trump’s use of executive orders that he labeled “unconstitutional or otherwise illegal.” He also accused the former president of pressuring the judiciary through public threats of impeachment and of corruption within his political circle.
Before becoming a judge, Wolf led the Justice Department’s Public Corruption Unit in Boston and served as deputy U.S. attorney for Massachusetts. Reflecting on decades of service, he concluded, “The rule of law can only endure if people are willing to defend it.
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