Obama-appointed judge who became Trump rival during election interference case overseeing pivotal DOGE hearing

A federal judge who President Donald Trump once described as \”the most evil person\” is now at the center of a high-profile lawsuit brought by blue states seeking to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing government data. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was first appointed to the bench in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama, has a long history of legal battles with the current administration.
Chutkan gained notoriety in 2021 when she presided over the criminal investigation into Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Despite facing criticism from Trump and his allies, Chutkan has remained steadfast in her decisions, including rejecting Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the election interference case, a ruling that was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Beyond her role in high-profile cases, Chutkan has made headlines for her outspoken criticism of Trump’s actions. Following Trump’s pardons of over 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, Chutkan condemned the president’s actions, stating that they could not erase the violence and chaos caused by the mob.
Chutkan’s opposition to the Trump administration’s policies has also extended to her rulings on issues such as abortion rights and special education equity. Her decisions have drawn the ire of administration officials and Trump supporters, who view her as a roadblock to their agenda.
Despite facing backlash and even a \”swatting\” attack at her home, Chutkan continues to uphold the rule of law and stand firm in her judicial decisions. As she presides over the lawsuit involving DOGE’s access to government data, her track record suggests that she will not hesitate to challenge the administration’s actions if they conflict with the law.
While Chutkan’s history of opposition to Trump may unsettle the former president and his supporters, her commitment to upholding the law and protecting the integrity of the judicial system remains unwavering. As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes will be on Chutkan as she navigates the complex legal issues at hand and ensures that justice is served.