Federal judges face threats after speaking out against Trump
By Scranton Times Tribune
March 7, 2026 | Ron Devlin | Scranton Times Tribune
Retired federal judge John E. Jones III, a Schuylkill County native, stands by his recent allegations that the Trump administration has created an atmosphere that’s exposing judges to harassment, personal harm and death threats.
“This is such a toxic environment, where people are taking arms and can identify where a judge lives, and can strike out against a judge or a judge’s family,” Jones said in a report aired last Sunday on CBS News 60 Minutes. “In very plain English, if we’re not careful we’re going to get a judge killed. It’s just that stark.”
Jones is a member of the Article III Coalition, a group of about 60 retired federal judges who have appealed to the White House to tone down incendiary rhetoric that’s putting judges’ lives in danger. . . .