Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s relationship with the Federalist Society, a group of conservative legal minds, is hitting the rocks.
- Trump expects loyalty and favors from judges he helped appoint, but they’re pushing back.
- Judges could resist Trump’s efforts to shape the judiciary in his image.
- This tension might limit Trump’s power and lead to more court decisions against him.
The Federalist Society and Trump: A Fading Friendship
For years, the Federalist Society and Republican presidents have worked hand in hand. They shared a goal: shaping the courts with conservative judges. But now, things are souring between Trump and this powerful legal group.
Andrew Egger from The Bulwark explains that Trump’s breakup with the Federalist Society was a long time coming. Trump, unlike most presidents, didn’t just want conservative judges—he wanted judges who would do his bidding.
Trump’s Expectations vs. Judicial Independence
Trump has appointed many judges, including three Supreme Court justices. Normally, this would be a dream for any president. But Trump is different. He’s a “transactional” leader, meaning he expects something in return for his appointments.
For example, Trump was furious when the Supreme Court didn’t help him overturn the 2020 election. He accused the justices of lacking “courage.” More recently, he even attacked Leonard Leo, a key figure in the Federalist Society, after a court ruled against his tariff policies.
Why Judges Are Turning Away
Federalist Society judges are starting to see Trump as a problem. His attacks on them and his disregard for the law are putting them off. Judges don’t like being seen as Trump’s yes-men. They value their independence.
Egger argues that Trump’s behavior sends a clear message: he wants judges who will always side with him, not those who follow the law. This scares judges because they don’t want to be replaced by people who only obey Trump.
What This Means for Trump’s Power
Judges are smart. They know Trump wants to remake the judiciary in his image. But if they feel threatened, they might not retire or step down, making it harder for Trump to appoint more loyal judges.
This could also lead to more court decisions against Trump. For instance, courts might rule against his attempts to flex his power, like when judges recently sided with law firms that refused to give in to his demands.
The Bigger Picture
The relationship between Trump and the Federalist Society is changing. What was once a partnership is now a strained relationship. Judges are realizing that backing Trump might hurt their reputation and the integrity of the courts.
As Trump’s actions become more extreme, conservative judges might turn on him. This could limit his ability to push his agenda through the courts.
Final Thoughts
The Federalist Society and Trump’s breakup is a significant shift in American politics. It shows that even conservative judges have limits to their loyalty. As Trump continues to test these limits, he might find himself with fewer allies in the courts.
This could be a turning point, with judges stepping in to rein in Trump’s power grabs. For now, the legal world is watching to see how this drama unfolds.