Chief Justice Roberts Warns Against Personal Attacks on Judges

Roberts says criticism of judicial opinions is healthy, but 'personally directed hostility is dangerous and it's got to stop'.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chief Justice John Roberts warned that personal criticism of federal judges is dangerous and 'it's got to stop,' two days after President Donald Trump called a federal judge who ruled against the administration 'wacky, nasty, crooked and totally out of control.' Roberts said criticism of judicial opinions 'comes with the territory' and can be healthy, but it's different when the criticism moves away from legal analysis.

Why it matters

Roberts' comments highlight the growing concerns about the increasing personal attacks and threats against federal judges, which the U.S. Marshals Service reported have risen in recent years. This raises questions about the independence of the judiciary and the ability of judges to make impartial decisions without fear of retaliation.

The details

In his remarks at Rice University, Roberts was careful not to single out Trump or anyone else, saying the attacks on judges are not from 'just any one political perspective.' He acknowledged the 'serious threats' faced by judges and noted that Congress has responded by increasing funding for judges' security. Trump's recent comments about a federal judge who ruled against his administration are the latest example of the personal criticism Roberts warned against.

  • On March 15, 2026, President Trump called a federal judge 'wacky, nasty, crooked and totally out of control'.
  • On March 17, 2026, Chief Justice Roberts delivered his remarks at Rice University warning against personal attacks on judges.

The players

Chief Justice John Roberts

The Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court who warned against personal attacks on federal judges.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has frequently criticized federal judges and their rulings.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal

A federal judge who shared the stage with Chief Justice Roberts and thanked him for having the judges' backs.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg

A federal judge whom President Trump criticized as 'wacky, nasty, crooked, and totally out of control'.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche

A senior Justice Department official who criticized another federal judge, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, for his rulings against the administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Personally directed hostility is dangerous and it's got to stop.”

— Chief Justice John Roberts (wbal.com)

“We always know that you have our backs and that means a great deal.”

— U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal (wbal.com)

“How many times can Judge Murphy get reversed in one year? The same day he is stayed for repeatedly refusing to follow the law, he issues another activist decision. We will keep appealing these lawless decisions, and we will keep winning. The question is, how much embarrassment can this Judge take?”

— Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche (wbal.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Marshals Service is expected to provide an update on the number of threats against federal judges in the next government fiscal year report.

The takeaway

Chief Justice Roberts' warning highlights the growing concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the need to protect federal judges from personal attacks and threats, which could undermine the impartiality of the judiciary and the rule of law.