GOP leaders skeptical of impeachment as best route to fight anti-Trump judges
House GOP leaders are hesitant to pursue a full-scale impeachment process against judges who have been obstructing President Donald Trump’s agenda, according to sources familiar with the discussions. While Trump himself called for the impeachment of U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg over a recent injunction, House leadership is not convinced that impeachment is the most effective way to hold these judges accountable.
Impeachment, if pursued, would likely be more of a symbolic gesture as it would face significant challenges in passing the House and Senate. With the slim Republican majority in the Senate, the likelihood of reaching the two-thirds threshold required for removal after a trial is slim. Despite calls from some conservative factions, including the House Freedom Caucus, to impeach judges like Boasberg for allegedly overstepping their authority, the practicality of such a move remains in question.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has indicated that the committee may hold a hearing on the matter, and several Republican representatives have introduced resolutions to impeach other federal judges who have blocked Trump’s policies. However, the path to impeachment remains uncertain given the current political landscape.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Chip Roy, have suggested exploring other options such as jurisdiction-stripping in addition to impeachment. While an impeachment by the House would serve as a punishment, Roy emphasized that all available avenues should be considered to address judges undermining the presidency.
Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas serves as a cautionary tale, having been the second-ever Cabinet secretary impeached, although the Senate quickly dismissed the trial. GOP leaders have faced challenges in passing similar resolutions in the past, highlighting the difficulty of securing bipartisan support for impeachment.
Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that he is open to exploring all options to address activist judges, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the separation of powers. Rep. Darrell Issa’s bill to block federal district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions is another option that has garnered support from Trump.
In conclusion, while the idea of impeaching judges who oppose Trump’s agenda may be appealing to some Republicans, the practicality and likelihood of success remain uncertain. House GOP leaders are weighing their options carefully and considering alternative measures to hold activist judges accountable.
