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Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is facing political attacks from former President Donald Trump after issuing a ruling that temporarily blocked a mass deportation order. Trump, who called Boasberg a “radical left lunatic” and “troublemaker,” has pushed for his impeachment, despite the judge’s well-documented history of bipartisan service.
Boasberg ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely invoked 18th-century law, to justify deporting five Venezuelan nationals accused of being gang members. The Justice Department ignored Boasberg’s order, prompting a tense courtroom exchange.
“That’s one heck of a stretch, I think,” Boasberg remarked, pushing back on the administration’s legal justification for the mass deportation.
While Trump and his allies claim Boasberg is politically motivated, legal experts and colleagues paint a different picture—one of a fair-minded jurist with decades of balanced rulings.
A Respected Judge with a Bipartisan Record
Boasberg’s judicial career spans over 30 years, with appointments from both Republican and Democratic presidents. President George W. Bush first appointed him to the D.C. Superior Court in 2002, and President Barack Obama elevated him to the federal bench in 2011. In 2023, he became the chief judge of the influential D.C. District Court.
“He is not a partisan in any sense of the word,” said a Washington attorney familiar with Boasberg’s work. “He rules based on the law, not politics.”
Boasberg has issued rulings that have favored both parties. He oversaw the release of Hillary Clinton’s emails in 2016 and ruled against efforts to obtain Trump’s tax records while in office. He has also presided over numerous cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot, at times handing down lighter sentences than prosecutors sought.
Judicial Independence Under Fire
Trump’s impeachment calls have sparked criticism from legal professionals and even Chief Justice John Roberts, who issued a rare public statement defending the judiciary.
“Targeting individual judges for their decisions threatens the rule of law,” Roberts warned.
Boasberg, known for his calm and measured approach, has not responded publicly to Trump’s remarks. However, his previous statements in court underscore his commitment to judicial independence. In a January 6-related case, he told a defendant, “Our society changes its leaders at the ballot box, not through mobs.”
As Trump’s allies continue to push for impeachment, Boasberg’s career stands as a testament to the resilience of the judiciary amid growing political pressure. Whether the calls for his removal gain traction remains to be seen, but his bipartisan record speaks for itself.
