How Mike Johnson, Jim Jordan could take on activist judges blocking Trump

Congressional Republicans are gearing up to take action against what they perceive as “activist judges” who are obstructing President Donald Trump’s agenda. The House Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing on the matter on April 1, where various options will be discussed.

One of the main options being considered is a bill that would limit federal district court judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been rallying Republicans behind this bill, which is expected to be up for a vote next week. Additionally, House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman has expressed support for the legislation, calling it a “good start.”

Another piece of legislation gaining traction is the No Rogue Rulings Act, led by Rep. Darrell Issa of California. This bill would require district court judges to narrow their orders to the most relevant scope, preventing them from halting Trump’s policies nationwide. The White House and House GOP leadership are backing this bill, which is expected to go to a House-wide vote next week.

In addition to legislative measures, some Republicans are exploring the idea of using Congress’s power of the purse to rein in activist judges. This could involve leveraging funding through appropriations, rescissions, or the budget reconciliation process. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, chair of the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on the Constitution, has suggested that funding scenarios may be worth exploring.

While some Republicans have floated the idea of impeaching federal judges who block Trump’s agenda, there is little appetite within the House GOP for this approach. Speaker Johnson has signaled his opposition to impeachment, noting that only 15 federal judges have been impeached in U.S. history. However, some conservatives may push for impeachment resolutions to be classified as “privileged,” forcing a chamber-wide procedural vote within two legislative days.

Ultimately, Republican leaders, including House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, are keeping all options on the table. As the debate over activist judges continues, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to what many see as judicial overreach.