1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern over the recent escalation in rhetoric and actions directed at our federal judiciary by prominent political figures, including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Their public calls for the impeachment of judges who have issued rulings contrary to their preferences pose a significant threat to the foundational principle of judicial independence in our democracy. For instance, President Trump has labeled District Court Judge James E. Boasberg a "constitutional disaster" and advocated for his impeachment following rulings that blocked certain administrative actions. These attacks have led to increased security concerns for federal judges, with reports of intimidation tactics such as bomb threats and SWAT team dispatches to their homes. Similarly, Elon Musk has utilized social media platforms to criticize judges, referring to them as "corrupt" and "radical." His statements have coincided with a rise in threats against members of the judiciary, prompting warnings from U.S. Marshals about elevated threat levels. Chief Justice John Roberts has underscored that impeachment should not serve as a tool for political retribution against judges for their decisions. He emphasized that "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision." At a time when threats against judges are on the rise, such rhetoric not only undermines public trust in our legal system but also endangers the safety of those dedicated to upholding the Constitution. The judiciary must remain free from political pressure to ensure fair and impartial adjudication for all citizens. I urge you to take a stand in defense of judicial independence by publicly denouncing these attacks and supporting measures that protect our judges from intimidation and undue influence. Upholding the rule of law is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental tenet of our democracy that requires unwavering commitment from all branches of government. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.