Donald Trump has urged the impeachment of a judge who temporarily blocked the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. Although he didn't mention Judge James Boasberg by name, Trump criticized him as a "Radical Left Lunatic" and a "troublemaker," attributing his appointment to former President Obama. Boasberg had paused Trump's deportation order, which invoked the rarely used 1798 Enemy Aliens Act, for two weeks. In response to Trump's remarks, Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that impeachment is not a suitable reaction to judicial disagreements, suggesting the appellate process as the proper channel.
Boasberg, a respected judge with bipartisan connections, has previously served on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. His decision to halt the deportations is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and federal judges over numerous lawsuits challenging the administration's actions. Since Trump took office, 127 lawsuits have been filed, covering a wide range of issues from national security to federal employment.
One significant case involves Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members from Venezuela and El Salvador, a move not seen since World War II. Despite Boasberg's order to pause the deportations, the administration proceeded, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis as experts warn of the administration's defiance of court orders.
Legal scholars argue that the Alien Enemies Act is intended for wartime emergencies, and those facing deportation are entitled to due process. Trump's actions appear to be a strategic choice, given his focus on immigration during his campaign.
Additionally, Trump has targeted individuals like Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student involved in protests, and Rasha Alawieh, a doctor sent back to Lebanon. The administration has also attempted to revoke birthright citizenship, a right protected by the Constitution.
Other legal challenges involve the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, which faces accusations of overstepping congressional authority and accessing sensitive records. The administration's efforts to dismantle labor agreements and fire federal employees have also sparked legal battles.
Trump's attempts to control federal agencies include trying to remove a National Labor Relations Board member, a move that tests the limits of presidential power as defined by the Supreme Court. The administration has also targeted law firms and media outlets, revoking security clearances and limiting access in retaliation for their roles in investigations and reporting.
Overall, these legal confrontations highlight the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and various institutions, as they navigate the boundaries of executive power and the rule of law.