Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s DOJ lawyers refuse to answer federal judge’s questions, claiming the president is above court orders.
- This defiance highlights a growing disregard for the rule of law under Trump’s leadership.
- The White House escalates tensions by calling for the impeachment of the judge, further undermining judicial authority.
- Legal experts warn this behavior threatens American democracy and the balance of power.
A History of Caution: When Lawyers Fear Judges
Federal courtrooms are no place for games. Judges wield immense power, and lawyers know it. Sabrina Haake, a seasoned federal trial attorney with over 30 years of experience, recalls a tense moment with Judge Ruben Castillo. During a hearing, she carefully crafted her answers to avoid misleading the court. Her caution was born from a deep respect for the judiciary and a fear of crossing the line. For most federal lawyers, this is standard practice. But not for Trump’s DOJ lawyers.
Trump’s Lawyers Break the Mold
At a recent hearing about Trump’s controversial deportation of Venezuelan immigrants to an El Salvador prison, DOJ lawyer Abhishek Kambli took a bold—and dangerous—stance. When Judge James Boasberg asked straightforward questions, Kambli refused to answer, arguing that the president doesn’t have to comply with court orders. The DOJ even filed a court document stating, “The Government should not be required to disclose sensitive information bearing on national security and foreign relations.”
But here’s the catch: there was nothing classified about the flights. Trump himself turned the deportations into a public spectacle. Fox News aired footage of the planes, prisoners being shaved, and the brutal conditions of the El Salvador prison. If anything, it was a PR stunt, not a national security secret.
Haake, who has spent decades in federal litigation, says she’s never seen a lawyer tell a federal judge they wouldn’t answer questions. “It’s a slap in the face to the judiciary,” she writes. “It’s a reckless disregard for the rule of law.”
The White House Escalates: Snark and Defiance
The White House didn’t hold back either. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to social media to claim that a “single judge in a single city” couldn’t direct the president’s actions. She asserted that federal courts have no jurisdiction over Trump’s foreign affairs or his Article II powers as commander-in-chief.
But Leavitt is wrong. The Supreme Court has repeatedly made it clear that it’s the courts—not the president—who decide what the law is. Even Trump’s favorite justices have agreed on this.
To make matters worse, Trump himself demanded Judge Boasberg’s impeachment, calling him a “Radical Left Lunatic” on Truth Social. This isn’t just an attack on one judge—it’s an attack on the entire legal system.
The Supreme Court’s Role: Can They Stop Trump?
Chief Justice John Roberts stepped in, issuing a rare statement to remind everyone that impeachment isn’t the right response to judicial decisions. “The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose,” he said.
But Trump seems confident the Supreme Court will side with him. A senior White House official declared, “This is headed to the Supreme Court. And we’re going to win.” Haake warns this isn’t just about one case—it’s about Trump’s belief that he’s above the law.
The Supreme Court created this problem when it granted Trump immunity from prosecution. Now, they have the chance to fix it. Haake offers some free legal advice: the Venezuelan immigrants affected by Trump’s actions should amend their complaint and take their case to state court. This could force the Supreme Court to draw a line in the sand—specifically, what conduct is and isn’t protected under presidential powers.
A Warning to America: Democracy in Danger
Trump’s actions are a wake-up call. He’s using an outdated 1798 law, the Alien Enemies Act, to justify his unconstitutional behavior. By declaring a fake “invasion,” he’s claiming the Constitution doesn’t apply to him. This is the same playbook authoritarians use worldwide to seize power.
The consequences are chilling. If Trump gets away with this, he’ll keep expanding his definition of “invasion” to include anyone or anything he dislikes. Free speech, dissent, and the rule of law will all be at risk.
Haake’s message is clear: anyone still supporting Trump’s actions needs to wake up. Democracy can’t survive without the rule of law. If we let Trump dismantle it, America will become a nation ruled by the wealthy and powerful, where force replaces fairness.
We’re dangerously close to that tipping point. Every American needs to pay attention—and act.