Federal Judges Defend Judiciary Amid Rising Attacks

Judges read death threats and praise Chief Justice Roberts' comments condemning criticism of the courts.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:09pm

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Federal judges spoke out against rising personal attacks and death threats they have faced, reading profane messages during an unusual forum. The judges, appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, pushed back on criticism that their rulings are politically motivated. They praised recent comments by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts condemning personal attacks on the judiciary.

Why it matters

The event highlighted growing concerns about the safety and independence of the federal judiciary, as judges have faced an increase in threats and harassment, especially in high-profile cases involving the Trump administration. The judges' comments underscored the need to protect the judiciary's ability to make impartial rulings without fear of retaliation.

The details

During the forum, several judges shared specific threats they had received, including unsolicited pizza deliveries at their homes and messages threatening to kill them. U.S. District Judge Mark Norris recalled threats made against the slain son of a federal judge in New Jersey. The U.S. Marshals Service reported a rise in threats against judges, from 564 in the 2021 fiscal year to a higher number the following year. The judges pushed back on the notion that their rulings are politically motivated, with one saying she would trust the Trump-appointed judges she works with to handle any case, even if they don't always agree.

  • The forum was held on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
  • In the 2021 fiscal year, the U.S. Marshals Service reported 564 threats against judges.
  • Last month, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes read death threats she received following a ruling blocking the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections for Haitians.

The players

John Roberts

Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, who recently condemned personal criticism of judges.

Mark Norris

U.S. District Judge in Tennessee, appointed by President Trump.

Ana Reyes

U.S. District Judge in Washington, D.C.

Dolly Gee

U.S. District Judge.

Michelle Williams Court

U.S. District Judge.

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What they’re saying

“I sit with four other judges who were appointed by President Trump, and they are phenomenal judges. I would trust them to handle any case.”

— Ana Reyes, U.S. District Judge

“I think everybody needs to speak up. It's not just the judges who need to speak up.”

— Dolly Gee, U.S. District Judge

“It's got to stop.”

— John Roberts, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

What’s next

The U.S. Marshals Service, responsible for protecting judges, will likely continue monitoring and addressing threats against the federal judiciary.

The takeaway

This event underscores the growing threats and personal attacks faced by federal judges, which undermine the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Protecting judges from retaliation is crucial to preserving the rule of law and the integrity of the court system.