Trump-appointed judge resigns from judiciary group over ‘merely sanctimonious’ statement on threats

In a surprising turn of events, Federal Judge James C. Ho, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2018, has announced his resignation from the Federal Judges Association. The decision comes after the association issued a statement condemning recent alleged threats against judges, a move that Ho believes to be hypocritical and selective in its application.

During a speaking event at the University of Michigan Law School hosted by the Federalist Society, Judge Ho expressed his disappointment with the Federal Judges Association’s statement, which called for judges to be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. Ho questioned why the association remained silent for years while conservative members of the judiciary faced scrutiny and attacks.

Ho highlighted instances where conservative judges, such as Justice Thomas, Justice Alito, and Justice Kavanaugh, had been subjected to threats and attacks without any public statements from the association. He emphasized the importance of standing up for judicial independence consistently, regardless of political affiliations or personal opinions.

The Federal Judges Association, led by U.S. Circuit Judge J. Michelle Childs appointed by former President Joe Biden, stated that the judiciary faces growing threats including violence, intimidation, and disinformation. The association’s public statement emphasized the crucial role that federal judges play in upholding democracy as guardians of the rule of law.

In response to the association’s statement, Judge Ho criticized the selective application of principles and the potential harm it could cause to the judiciary’s integrity. He argued that issuing statements only when convenient or politically expedient could undermine public trust in the judiciary and erode its independence.

The Federal Judges Association’s statement called for the protection of judicial security and the preservation of the integrity of the legal system. It emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law without fear or undue influence, regardless of external pressures or threats.

In conclusion, Judge Ho’s resignation from the Federal Judges Association underscores the need for consistent and principled support for judicial independence. The debate highlights the challenges facing the judiciary in an increasingly polarized political landscape and the importance of upholding the rule of law as a cornerstone of democracy.