John Roberts rebukes Trump over demands to impeach judge

On March 18, 2025, Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rebuked President Donald Trump for suggesting the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg following a ruling that blocked deportation flights. Boasberg, appointed by former President Barack Obama, ordered the suspension of the deportation of alleged gang members, citing legal justifications that provoked Trump's ire. The president attacked Boasberg on social media, referring to him as a 'Radical Left Lunatic' and escalating tensions between the executive and judicial branches. Roberts highlighted that impeachment has historically been reserved for instances of gross misconduct rather than disagreement with judicial decisions, stating that the appropriate process for disputing a ruling is through normal appellate review. This interaction signals a growing friction as federal judges consistently counter Trump's policies, raising serious concerns about judicial independence and the separation of powers underpinning the U.S. government, which relies on three distinct branches each serving as checks on one another. Furthermore, Trump’s demands for impeachment reflect a broader strategy by some of his allies to challenge judicial authority, with various other federal judges also facing calls for impeachment due to rulings perceived as unfavorable to Trump's agenda. Federal judges have expressed alarm about the implications of these challenges to their independence and the potential threat to the rule of law. This conflict underscores the existing tensions between Trump's administration and the judiciary, which has repeatedly intervened against his executive actions.