Speaker Mike Johnson Warns of Congressional Action Against Activist Federal Judges
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson issued a stern warning on Tuesday, signaling that Congress may soon act against federal courts he accuses of waging a “legal insurrection” against President Trump’s administration.
Since President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025, his administration has faced an unprecedented barrage of legal challenges from activist judges and left-wing advocacy groups seeking to undermine his second term. In fewer than two months, Trump’s administration has already faced 137 legal actions, compared to the 65 nationwide injunctions during his entire first term from 2017 to 2021.
Judicial Activism or Judicial Insurrection?
Appearing recently on The War Room with Steve Bannon, Josh Hammer, Senior Counsel for the Article III Project, characterized this wave of litigation not merely as judicial activism but as “judicial insurrection,” highlighting the aggressive tactics deployed to impede Trump’s policy initiatives.
The Supreme Court has yet to effectively curb these activist rulings, leaving the Trump administration vulnerable to continuous legal disruptions.
Speaker Johnson’s Warning to the Courts
In a press appearance reported by ABC News, Speaker Johnson openly asserted Congress’s constitutional authority to limit funding or even eliminate specific federal district courts.
Speaker Mike Johnson: “We do have authority over the federal courts, as you know. We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power over funding of the courts and other measures. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Congress is going to act. Stay tuned.”
Johnson’s remarks represent a significant escalation in tensions between the legislative branch and the federal judiciary, emphasizing his commitment to protecting President Trump’s agenda from judicial obstruction.
Implications for the Judiciary
This potential action by Congress would represent a major assertion of legislative authority over the judiciary and could provoke further constitutional debates about the separation of powers. Critics may view such measures as extreme, while supporters argue that strong congressional action is necessary to restore balance and uphold constitutional governance.
As legal battles intensify, Speaker Johnson’s comments underscore the growing urgency among congressional Republicans to challenge what they perceive as judicial overreach.
