Christie Warns Trump: Attacking Judges Could Backfire at Supreme Court
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has cautioned former President Donald Trump that his continued attacks on judges who rule against his administration could jeopardize his chances of success at the Supreme Court. Christie, a Republican who unsuccessfully sought his party’s presidential nomination in 2024, argued that Trump’s calls for the impeachment of judges could alienate Chief Justice John Roberts and potentially influence the court’s decisions on cases involving the former president.
Christie’s warning came after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, called for the impeachment of "many" judges who have ruled against his administration, singling out D.C. federal trial Judge James Boasberg for criticism. Boasberg had previously ruled against one of Trump’s deportation policies.
Trump’s remarks drew a swift and rare rebuke from Chief Justice Roberts, who issued a statement emphasizing that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement with judicial decisions. Roberts asserted that the normal appellate review process exists for that purpose, although he did not directly mention Trump by name.
In response, Representative Brandon Gill of Texas filed articles of impeachment against Judge Boasberg. However, it remains uncertain whether House leaders will allow the impeachment proceedings to move forward.
Trump appeared to address the Chief Justice’s rebuke in a subsequent Truth Social post, urging Roberts and his colleagues to rein in lower court judges handling cases involving his administration. He warned that if the Supreme Court does not address this situation, the country could face "very serious trouble."
Judges across various cases have raised concerns about the lawfulness of recent Trump executive actions related to deportations, federal worker firings, transgender women in prisons, and other matters. The Trump administration is expected to appeal numerous cases, potentially bringing them before the Supreme Court.
Christie, a former federal prosecutor, suggested that Chief Justice Roberts may actually agree with Trump on many executive power issues. However, he argued that Trump’s attacks on judges and his public clash with the Chief Justice could negatively impact the outcome of cases involving Trump at the Supreme Court.
Christie emphasized that Roberts prioritizes the independence and reputation of the court. He suggested that if Trump creates the impression that Roberts is in his "pocket," it could backfire and lead the court to rule against Trump’s interests.
Christie advised Trump to refrain from commenting on judges and to avoid provoking Roberts, stating, "So Trump, tactically, should keep quiet on the judges, keep quiet. Don’t make Justice – Chief Justice – Roberts come after you."
While the Roberts court has occasionally opposed the Trump administration’s actions, Trump and his supporters have not always viewed the Chief Justice as an adversary. Some critics have even accused Roberts of providing legal cover for Trump, particularly in the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that shielded Trump from criminal prosecution for official acts while in office.
Christie’s warning highlights the potential consequences of Trump’s attacks on the judiciary. By criticizing judges and calling for their impeachment, Trump risks alienating Chief Justice Roberts and influencing the Supreme Court’s decisions on cases involving his administration. This could have significant implications for Trump’s legal challenges and his broader political agenda.
The dynamic between Trump and the judiciary has been a recurring theme throughout his presidency and beyond. His criticism of judges and the legal system has often been met with criticism from legal scholars and political opponents, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving legal disputes. The justices are appointed for life, and their decisions can have a profound impact on American society.
The relationship between the President and the Supreme Court is often complex and nuanced. While the President has the power to nominate justices to the court, the justices themselves are expected to be independent and impartial in their decision-making.
Trump’s attacks on judges and his attempts to influence the Supreme Court have raised concerns about the separation of powers and the integrity of the judicial system. Christie’s warning underscores the potential risks of Trump’s approach and suggests that it could ultimately harm his own interests.
