Minnesota Judge Jokes About 'Progressive Activist' Label

Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz says late Justice Antonin Scalia would be surprised by accusations of liberalism.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A conservative federal judge in Minnesota, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz, joked that he has been branded a "progressive activist" despite clerking for the late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, made the comments while speaking at an event honoring Scalia, noting his former boss would be surprised by accusations of liberalism against Schiltz.

Why it matters

Schiltz's comments highlight the ongoing partisan divide over judicial appointments and the perception of judges' political leanings, even among those considered conservative. His remarks also reflect the lasting influence of Scalia, a towering conservative figure, and the challenges judges face in navigating ideological labels in a polarized political climate.

The details

Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz, who was appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush, has faced criticism from conservatives for his rulings on the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis. At an American Enterprise Institute event honoring the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Schiltz joked that he has been branded a "progressive activist" despite having clerked for the conservative icon in the 1980s.

  • Schiltz clerked for Justice Scalia in 1985-1986 on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
  • The event honoring the late Justice Scalia took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Patrick Schiltz

A conservative federal judge in Minnesota who was appointed by President George W. Bush and has faced criticism from conservatives for his rulings on the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

Antonin Scalia

The late conservative Supreme Court Justice who Schiltz clerked for in the 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since Scalia's death. I'm glad he's not around to see me branded a progressive activist.”

— Patrick Schiltz, Chief Judge (American Enterprise Institute event)

The takeaway

Schiltz's comments underscore the ongoing partisan tensions over judicial appointments and the challenges judges face in navigating ideological labels, even those with conservative credentials like clerking for Justice Scalia. This case highlights the lasting influence of prominent conservative figures like Scalia and the difficulty of maintaining a nonpartisan judicial image in a highly polarized political environment.