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Washington Post: Sharp spike in threats to judges prompts calls for more security

By The Washington PostMay 29, 2025June 5th, 2025No Comments

Sharp Spike in threats to judges prompts calls for more security

U.S. Marshals Service data shows 162 judges were threatened in March and early April, a period of angry standoffs between the Trump administration and the federal courts.

A spike in threats against federal judges after President Donald Trump took office is prompting calls for new funding and security measures, with current and former jurists, lawmakers, and law enforcement officials saying existing protections are not enough.

The U.S. Marshals Service investigated threats against 197 judges between March 2 and late May of this year, according to data shared with The Washington Post by U.S. District Judge Esther Salas of New Jersey. That was more than double the 80 judges threatened in the previous five months, from Oct. 1 through March 1.

The increase came as Trump and his allies railed against the federal court system, blaming judges for blocking the president’s agenda. Dozens of judges appointed by presidents of both parties have temporarily paused many of Trump’s efforts to slash government spending, remake agencies, speed deportations and change immigration policy while legal challenges to those efforts are pending.

Trump, some of his top advisers and some Republican lawmakers have called for impeaching or removing those judges, prompting warnings from Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and others about the importance of respecting the judicial process and the independence of the federal court system. … READ MORE