Meet Judge Boasberg, Trump Wants Impeached Over Immigration Ruling/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Judge James Boasberg, a longtime federal judge with bipartisan credentials, has become a central figure in Trump’s legal battles after blocking the administration’s mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Trump has called for Boasberg’s impeachment, a move that was swiftly rebuked by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Boasberg has previously overseen high-profile cases, including Trump’s grand jury investigations and FBI surveillance reforms.
Who is Judge James Boasberg? Trump’s Legal Opponent Faces Impeachment Calls
Key Takeaways:
- Judge James Boasberg has ruled in high-profile cases, including Trump’s grand jury investigations, FBI surveillance reforms, and January 6 riot trials.
- Trump attacked Boasberg after the judge blocked his mass deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
- Trump called for Boasberg’s impeachment, labeling him an “unelected troublemaker”, escalating his conflict with the judiciary.
- Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked Trump, stating judges should not be impeached over legal rulings.
- House Republicans may push impeachment efforts, while the legal battle over Trump’s immigration policies continues.
Judge Boasberg’s Background:
- Appointed to the federal bench by President Obama (2011), after serving as a judge on the D.C. Superior Court under President George W. Bush.
- Former homicide prosecutor and Yale Law graduate, known for his measured and impartial approach.
Boasberg’s High-Profile Cases:
- Trump Grand Jury Investigations:
- Ruled that Mike Pence must testify about Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
- Oversaw classified document disputes before Trump’s indictment was dismissed post-2024 election.
- January 6 Riot Sentencings:
- Handled cases against Capitol rioters, issuing measured sentences despite political pressure.
- Proud Boys extremist Marc Bru insulted Boasberg in court—he calmly responded before sentencing him to six years in prison.
- FBI Surveillance Court:
- Ordered Justice Department reforms after FBI errors in the Trump-Russia probe.
- Criticized FBI misconduct, but faced Republican backlash for leniency toward an agent who altered surveillance records.
The Deportation Ruling That Sparked Trump’s Outrage:
- Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, allowing mass deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members without trial.
- Boasberg issued a restraining order, but two flights still proceeded to El Salvador despite his ruling.
- Trump’s legal team argued the judge’s order wasn’t explicit, while civil rights groups warned of a constitutional crisis.
Trump’s Impeachment Call and Judicial Pushback:
- Trump demanded Boasberg’s impeachment, claiming he was defying the will of voters.
- Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked Trump, stating impeachment is not a tool for disagreeing with legal rulings.
- Impeachment is unlikely, requiring a House majority vote and a two-thirds Senate conviction.
What’s Next?
- House Republicans have already drafted impeachment articles for two other Trump-related judges.
- The deportation case will likely go to higher courts, extending Trump’s legal battle.
- Judicial independence remains under attack, as Trump increases pressure on federal judges.
Who is Judge James Boasberg? Trump’s Legal Opponent Faces Impeachment Calls
A History of Handling High-Stakes Cases
Judge James “Jeb” Boasberg is no stranger to politically charged cases. Over his 14-year tenure on the federal bench, he has presided over:
- Trump-related grand jury disputes
- FBI surveillance reforms post-Russia probe
- Sentencing of January 6 rioters
A former homicide prosecutor and Yale Law graduate, Boasberg was appointed to the D.C. federal court by President Barack Obama in 2011. However, his first judicial appointment came from President George W. Bush, giving him a bipartisan reputation.
Trump’s Grand Jury Battles and the Capitol Riot Cases
As chief judge of Washington’s federal court, Boasberg oversaw secret grand jury disputes during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump. He ruled on key subpoenas, including ordering former Vice President Mike Pence to testify about Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Boasberg also presided over dozens of January 6 riot cases, including that of Proud Boys member Marc Bru, who berated him in court. Despite being called a “clown” and a “fraud”, Boasberg maintained composure, responding:
“I have treated you with courtesy in all of these proceedings.”
He later sentenced Bru to six years in prison.
FBI Surveillance Court and Trump’s Russia Probe
Boasberg played a crucial role in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA), particularly in the fallout of the Trump-Russia investigation. When an FBI lawyer doctored evidence to justify surveillance on Trump adviser Carter Page, Boasberg ordered Justice Department reforms, stating:
“The FBI breached its duty of candor to the Court.”
While criticizing FBI misconduct, Boasberg has also faced right-wing backlash for issuing a probation sentence to the agent who altered records.
The Ruling That Sparked Trump’s Fury
- Trump had invoked the rarely-used wartime law to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without trial.
- Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order, but two flights still proceeded to El Salvador despite his ruling.
- He called for an emergency hearing on Monday over possible defiance of his order by the Trump administration.
This legal clash set off Trump’s latest attack.
Trump’s Impeachment Call and Chief Justice Roberts’ Response
Following the deportation ruling, Trump lashed out at Boasberg on Truth Social, calling him an “unelected troublemaker and agitator” and demanding his impeachment in all caps:
“I WON FOR MANY REASONS, BUT FIGHTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MAY HAVE BEEN THE NUMBER ONE REASON. THIS JUDGE SHOULD BE IMPEACHED!!!”
This unprecedented attack on the judiciary led to a rare rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who defended Boasberg:
“For more than two centuries, impeachment has not been an appropriate response to disagreement with a judicial decision.”
What’s Next?
- House Republicans have already drafted articles of impeachment against two other federal judges over Trump-related rulings.
- Boasberg’s ruling is likely to be challenged in higher courts, as the Trump administration continues its legal fight over deportations.
- With Trump’s increasing attacks on the judiciary, legal experts warn of growing tensions between the executive and judicial branches.
Boasberg’s long history of ruling on politically sensitive cases has made him a key figure in Trump’s legal battles—but his impartial approach suggests he won’t be swayed by political pressure.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.