Leading US Supreme Court Justice Criticizes Trump’s Suggestion to Impeach Judge

The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court has issued a rare statement responding to President Donald Trump’s demand to impeach a judge who ruled against his administration concerning migrant deportations.

Chief Justice John Roberts stated, “For over two centuries, impeachment has not been viewed as an appropriate remedy for disagreement with a judicial ruling.”

He emphasized that “the normal appellate review process is in place for that reason.”

Trump had previously labeled US District Judge James Boasberg a “troublemaker and agitator” following his order to stop deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador.

The White House did not provide an immediate response to the request for comment.

Chief Justice Roberts, who presides over the Supreme Court, rarely makes public comments regarding political matters.

He authored the majority opinion in Trump’s case regarding presidential immunity last year.

His remarks come amid Trump’s increasing criticisms of federal judges who have ruled against several of his initial presidential actions.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump criticized Judge Boasberg on Truth Social, calling for his impeachment, asserting, “HE DIDN’T WIN ANYTHING!” and stating, “I’m just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do.”

To impeach a federal judge, the US House of Representatives must vote on articles of impeachment, followed by a two-thirds Senate vote for conviction.

Since the nation’s inception, the US Senate has deliberated on the impeachments of 15 judges including one Supreme Court Justice, with eight found guilty during a Senate trial.

Trump’s remarks were likely in response to Judge Boasberg’s order requiring the halt of deportations to El Salvador of over 200 Venezuelans, whom the administration claimed were gang members.

After being informed that deportee flights had already departed, the judge allegedly instructed that the flights return “immediately,” though this order was not included in the written ruling released shortly after.

Judge Boasberg scheduled an additional hearing on Monday to inquire why the administration’s flights had not returned to the US.

Government lawyers confirmed that deportations had been paused, and the Trump administration filed a motion to have Boasberg removed from the case.

Trump has previously criticized judges, often targeting those who presided over his legal matters before he regained the presidency.

Since taking office, he has attacked numerous judges who blocked his policies while aligning with some political allies, like tech mogul Elon Musk, in suggesting their impeachment.

The president has shown appreciation for judges he believes support him, particularly praising US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who oversaw his criminal case linked to classified documents.

After Justice Roberts supported Trump’s presidential immunity argument, the president has maintained a positive view towards the Chief Justice.

This ruling affirmed that presidents hold immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office, thereby enhancing presidential power. It also granted Trump additional leverage in four concurrent criminal cases he faced in 2024, with only one resulting in a conviction.

During Trump’s inauguration in January, Roberts administered the oath of office, and Trump acknowledged him with a handshake and pointed gesture.

Trump also seemed to express gratitude to Roberts during his address to Congress on March 4.

Although the Supreme Court justices hold varied ideological beliefs, they strive to maintain a separation from partisan politics.

Roberts’ statement is a rare response to a political declaration made by a president regarding the judiciary’s function.

The US Supreme Court is expected to ultimately address several legal challenges posed to Trump’s early actions as those lawsuits progress through the federal court system.

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