GOP lawmakers Mike Johnson and Jim Jordan are strategizing a response to judges halting Trump’s agenda. Congressional Republicans are exploring ways to combat what they view as “activist judges” impeding President Donald Trump’s plans. These options are expected to be deliberated at the House Judiciary’s upcoming hearing on April 1. Speaker Mike Johnson met with House Judiciary Committee members to rally support for a bill limiting federal district court judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions. In addition to this legislation, Republicans are considering other avenues to address the issue. House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman supports the bill as a positive step.
The proposed No Rogue Rulings Act, endorsed by the White House and House GOP leadership, is slated for a House-wide vote next week. Led by Rep. Darrell Issa, the bill aims to constrain district court judges, preventing them from halting Trump’s policies nationwide. While no Republican lawmakers have publicly opposed the bill, conservatives are urging Congress to take further action against activist judges.
Johnson and House Judiciary Committee leaders have discussed using Congress’ funding authority to rein in activist courts. Johnson emphasized that Congress has control over the federal courts through appropriations, rescissions, and reconciliation processes. Although some Republicans have introduced resolutions to impeach judges obstructing Trump’s agenda, there is limited support within the House GOP for this approach. Johnson expressed reservations about impeachment during a closed-door meeting, noting the rarity of judicial impeachments in U.S. history.
“House Republicans are considering impeachment proceedings against Johnson for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors,’ not solely based on disagreement with his decisions,” remarked a member of the party. Conservatives may try to prompt House GOP leaders to take action by designating their impeachment proposal as a “privileged resolution,” which would require a chamber-wide procedural vote within two legislative days. Yet, it remains uncertain if this approach will be pursued. Two Republicans who introduced such resolutions, Reps. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) and Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), indicated they currently have no plans to elevate their resolutions to privileged status. Nevertheless, the possibility is not entirely ruled out, as leaders, including House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), maintain that all options are on the table.
