Conservative Former Judge: Trump Is “Declaring War” on the Judicial System
A prominent conservative legal voice is sounding the alarm over Donald Trump’s increasingly hostile stance toward the American judiciary. In a sharply worded New York Times op-ed published Sunday, retired federal appeals court judge J. Michael Luttig accused the former president of launching a direct attack on the third branch of government.
Luttig Warns of “Constitutional Crisis”
“President Trump has wasted no time in his second term in declaring war on the nation’s federal judiciary, the country’s legal profession, and the rule of law,” Luttig wrote. He called Trump’s actions a “stunning frontal assault” on the courts, warning that the fallout could threaten the very foundation of American democracy.
“The casualty could well be the constitutional democracy Americans fought for in the Revolutionary War against the British monarchy 250 years ago,” said Luttig, who was appointed to the bench by former President George H.W. Bush.
“No Check” Without Independent Judiciary
Luttig stressed the importance of an independent judiciary to act as a safeguard against executive and legislative overreach. Without it, he argued, there would be no meaningful check on Trump—or Congress.
He noted that Republican majorities have already shown loyalty to Trump, undercutting the idea that Congress would act as a balance.
Trump Escalates Attacks on Legal Institutions
In recent weeks, Trump has ramped up his rhetoric, calling for the impeachment of judges who rule against him. The attacks prompted an unusual response from Chief Justice John Roberts, who issued a rare public statement pushing back against the former president.
Trump’s criticism hasn’t stopped at the bench. He’s also gone after lawyers, top law firms, and even staff at leading law schools—further fueling concern among legal experts.
“We Wouldn’t Be Poking the People Deciding Our Fate”
Responding to the situation, legal analyst Curtis noted on Sunday, “If it were me, I probably—we wouldn’t be poking the people that are going to make decisions about me. But that’s me, and the president is going to do what the president does.”
Curtis also pointed out that while Trump can talk about impeaching judges, the process would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate. “We know that’s not going to happen,” he added.
