1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am deeply alarmed by recent statements from President Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance, who have publicly denounced federal judges as “corrupt” and have suggested that their administration should simply ignore court rulings that block their executive actions. This rhetoric is not just irresponsible—it poses a direct threat to the foundational principles of our democracy and the rule of law. The judicial branch exists as an essential check on executive power. When courts issue rulings, they do so based on constitutional authority, legal precedent, and the laws of the United States. For the executive branch to dismiss these rulings outright is not only an attack on the judiciary but also an attack on our entire system of checks and balances. It sets a dangerous precedent where the administration decides which laws it wants to follow, effectively placing itself above the law. This is not how our government is supposed to function. The separation of powers ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful. If the executive branch begins to disregard judicial decisions, what stops it from disregarding Congress next? What prevents it from ignoring election results? These are not abstract concerns—they are glaring red flags that signal a move toward authoritarian rule. Let’s be clear: this is not about partisan politics. Whether Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, every American should be gravely concerned when those in power suggest that they are not bound by the Constitution. Today, it is the judiciary they ignore—tomorrow, it could be the rights and freedoms of the American people. I urge you to: 1. Publicly denounce any calls to ignore judicial rulings and affirm the importance of an independent judiciary. 2. Hold hearings to investigate these anti-democratic statements and reinforce the legal obligations of the executive branch to comply with court decisions. 3. Pass legislation, if necessary, to reinforce penalties for executive defiance of judicial orders to ensure that no administration—now or in the future—can simply ignore the law. 4. Stand up for the Constitution regardless of party affiliation, because if the rule of law is undermined today, there may be no system left to protect us tomorrow. Ignoring court rulings is not strength—it is lawlessness. It is a move toward autocracy, and it cannot go unchecked. I implore you to take action before we cross a line that cannot be undone.