The American Bar Association on Monday said that personal attacks on U.S. Supreme Court judges by President Donald Trump “cross a dangerous line” and may threaten national safety and trust in the judiciary, according to the American Bar Association statement.
In its statement, dated Feb. 23, ABA President Michelle A. Behnke said that Trump’s attacks on the judges followed the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs and included “language that called the justices ‘a disgrace to our nation’ and ‘disloyal to the Constitution.’ Such rhetoric undermines public trust in an impartial judiciary and the rule of law.”
The ABA made an important differentiation between criticism of court decisions and personal attacks on judges. “Judicial opinions are always subject to analysis and critique, and disagreement with them should be expressed with respect for facts, law, and courts.”
The ABA also pointed out that there was an “alarming increase” in threats and attacks on judges and that “incendiary” comments by public figures, such as Trump, may contribute to this.
The ABA asked leaders, including Trump, to exercise restraint in discussing the judiciary and asked bar associations and the public to defend civility and respect for the courts.
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