During a judges’ conference in Puerto Rico, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concern over targeted attacks by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies on the judiciary. These attacks, she said, appear calculated to intimidate those serving in the judiciary rather than being random occurrences. Chief Justice John Roberts had previously rebuked Trump for calling for the impeachment of a federal judge, highlighting tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary as Trump’s use of power faces legal challenges.
Federal judges have criticized the Trump administration for non-compliance with court orders on various issues, including foreign aid, federal spending, and government workforce reductions. While the administration denies defying court orders, it has been openly critical of decisions and judges halting its actions. Jackson warned that such threats and harassment pose a risk to democracy, the government system, and the rule of law, potentially undermining the Constitution.
Although Jackson did not mention Trump by name, she alluded to the challenges posed by the current administration. Her remarks, reported by Politico and the New York Times, received a standing ovation at the conference. Legal experts have raised concerns about the hostile environment under the Trump administration, suggesting a possible constitutional crisis. With a conservative majority of 6-3, the Supreme Court finds itself in the midst of these ongoing challenges.
