White House Backs Impeachment Moves Against Federal Judges

The White House is voicing strong support for efforts in Congress aimed at impeaching a federal judge they accuse of making a “completely corrupt” ruling, according to reports. The administration is closely watching the Senate Judiciary Committee as it investigates U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of D.C. and U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman of Maryland. Republicans have been vocal about their desire to impeach judges they label as “activists.”

A White House official described Judge Boasberg as a “left-wing activist judge” who has, in their view, “gone completely rogue.” The official stated, “They are undermining the rule of law for their own radical purposes. This must be stopped, and the White House fully embraces the impeachment effort.” They emphasized the need for President Trump to execute his agenda as intended by the voters, arguing that judges making partisan decisions are abusing their roles and losing their claim to impartiality.

Federal judges can be impeached if the House votes to approve articles against them for misconduct. Following that, a two-thirds Senate vote is required for their removal. Boasberg has become a particular focus for Republicans due to his rulings impacting Trump-era immigration laws, including actions related to the deportation of immigrants.

Additionally, Boasberg has faced backlash after reports emerged indicating he sanctioned a warrant that allowed authorities to seize phone records related to former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. He was first impeached in March 2025 for blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act and faced a second impeachment over the Arctic Frost investigation in November.

Another target, Judge Boardman, is under scrutiny for her sentence concerning a man linked to an assassination attempt on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, sentencing him to just eight years instead of the expected thirty.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has notably called for both judges’ impeachments. During a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee meeting, he termed them “corrupt judges” who meet the necessary criteria for impeachment.

The White House response to this situation highlights that a judge with a history of issuing dubious rulings aimed at advancing or undermining political agendas inherently lacks neutrality and could warrant impeachment. Both judges have remained silent on the ongoing impeachment discussions and declined an invitation to testify before the Senate.

Support for impeachment is coming from various corners, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who stated that some judges have overstepped their responsibilities. He acknowledged that judges like Boasberg have done so in a way that could justify impeachment.

However, Johnson’s comments on the feasibility of impeachment have shifted over time. He had previously expressed reservations about considering impeachment for judges perceived as activist judges opposed to the Trump presidency. He remarked that while impeachment isn’t off the table, it’s notoriously difficult to achieve.

Democrats are resisting the impeachment efforts, arguing that the motivations behind these calls stem from judges opposing the current administration. For example, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse described these impeachment threats as dangerous and potentially inciting further violence against judges and their families.