House GOP leaders have little interest in pursuing a full-scale impeachment process against judges blocking Trump’s agenda. Although Trump called for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg, House leadership views impeachment as a largely symbolic gesture that is unlikely to succeed in the Senate. Some conservatives, primarily in the House Freedom Caucus, are pushing for impeachment, but GOP leaders are hesitant. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan suggested the committee could hold a hearing on the matter, but any impeachment resolution would need Democrat support to reach the two-thirds threshold required for removal.
Despite the slim likelihood of success, some Republicans, such as Reps. Brandon Gill, Andrew Clyde, Eli Crane, and Andy Ogles, are pushing resolutions to impeach federal judges who have blocked Trump’s policies. Rep. Chip Roy, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on the Constitution, believes all options should be considered when addressing judges who undermine the presidency. Although an impeachment by the House is itself a punishment, Roy is cautious about committing to a specific path. Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is the second-ever Cabinet secretary to be impeached, though the Senate quickly dismissed the case.
GOP leaders have experienced some success with critical votes this year, with Trump pressing holdouts on key legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson is open to considering all options to address activist judges, as they are viewed as a significant threat to the rule of law. Another option Trump has shown support for is a bill by Rep. Darrell Issa to block federal district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions. House leaders are hesitant to pursue impeachment due to the slim majority in the Senate and the intense whipping process involved in drumming up support.
Impeachment of federal judges seen as blocking Trump’s agenda is unlikely to move forward in the House due to the slim possibility of success in the Senate. Although some Republicans are pushing for impeachment, GOP leadership is cautious about pursuing this option. However, all options are being considered, including jurisdiction stripping and other punitive measures. The issue of activist judges will likely continue to be a point of contention within the GOP, as they grapple with how best to address judges perceived to be overstepping their authority.
While some Republicans are pushing for the impeachment of judges blocking Trump’s policies, including Judge Boasberg, others are more cautious. House GOP leaders are considering all options, including the potential for hearings on the matter. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved, as the GOP grapples with the balance of power between the branches of government. The issue of activist judges continues to be a divisive topic within the party, with no clear consensus on how best to address judges who are seen as obstructing Trump’s agenda.
