AG Bondi Criticizes Obama-Appointed Judge Over Anti-Trump Remarks [WATCH]

DOJ Targets Chief Judge Boasberg

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a formal misconduct complaint against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg, citing concerns over his public comments questioning the Trump administration’s respect for court rulings.

Attorney General Leads Complaint

Attorney General Pam Bondi spearheaded the effort, with her Chief of Staff, Chad Mizelle, submitting the complaint to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the D.C. Circuit. The DOJ argued Boasberg’s remarks about former President Trump undermined judicial integrity and impartiality.

First Incident Raised

The complaint points to a March 11, 2025 meeting of the Judicial Conference, where Boasberg allegedly told judges, including Chief Justice John Roberts, that the Trump administration might ignore federal rulings and trigger a “constitutional crisis.” The DOJ dismissed these remarks as unfounded and inappropriate.

Second Incident Raised

Boasberg, presiding over a deportation case involving migrants to El Salvador, accused DOJ attorneys of disregarding his order to stop removals. The DOJ denied the allegation, stating it had complied with all directives, while the complaint accused Boasberg of acting on “unfounded beliefs.”

Judicial Background

An Obama appointee, Boasberg has often clashed with the Trump administration, particularly over immigration and administrative policy rulings, which drew criticism from the White House.

Trump’s Criticism

President Trump has publicly labeled Boasberg’s decisions partisan, further fueling tensions between the judiciary and the administration.

A Rare Step

The misconduct filing marks an unusual move by the DOJ against a sitting chief judge, highlighting the escalating strain between the executive branch and the federal courts.