In a rare public statement, Chief Justice John Roberts criticized President Donald Trump’s call to impeach U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg. This follows Judge Boasberg’s decision to block the administration’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
President Trump labeled Judge Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic” and demanded his impeachment after the judge issued a temporary restraining order halting the deportations. The administration had argued that the Venezuelan gang acted as a proxy for Venezuela’s government, constituting an incursion under the Act.
Chief Justice Roberts responded by emphasizing that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreements with judicial decisions. He highlighted that the appellate review process exists to address such disputes, underscoring the importance of judicial independence.
This incident has intensified debates over the balance of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with concerns about potential threats to the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law.
