1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern over recent actions by President Donald Trump and certain Republican legislators that threaten the foundational principles of our democracy—specifically, the independence of the judiciary and adherence to the rule of law. Recently, President Trump called for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg after the judge issued a ruling blocking deportation flights under an 18th-century law invoked by the administration. Chief Justice John Roberts responded by emphasizing that impeachment is not an appropriate reaction to judicial decisions and that appellate review is the proper channel for such disputes. Furthermore, the administration proceeded with deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members despite a court order halting such actions. This disregard for judicial authority exemplifies a concerning trend of challenging legal norms and undermining the checks and balances that are integral to our constitutional system. The judiciary has also faced increasing threats, with some Republican legislators advocating for the impeachment of judges who have ruled against the administration’s policies. U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Sullivan highlighted the escalation of threats against judges, stressing the importance of safeguarding judicial independence. Impeachment of federal judges is a grave measure, historically reserved for cases of serious misconduct. Lowering the threshold for impeachment to include disagreements over legal interpretations not only undermines judicial independence but also sets a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in our legal system. I urge Congress to reaffirm its commitment to the separation of powers and the rule of law by: 1. Protecting Judicial Independence: Ensure that judges can make decisions based on legal merits without fear of retribution or unwarranted impeachment threats. 2. Upholding Court Orders: Hold the executive branch accountable for complying with judicial rulings, thereby reinforcing the checks and balances that are essential to our democracy. 3. Promoting Respectful Discourse: Encourage respectful dialogue between branches of government, recognizing that healthy debate and differing opinions are vital to a functioning democracy. In these challenging times, it is imperative that we uphold the principles that have long sustained our nation. I respectfully call on you, as representatives of the people, to take decisive action to protect the integrity of our judicial system and maintain the balance of power envisioned by our Founders.