Stop the DOJ’s Political Retaliation Against a Federal Judge

I write to express serious concern regarding the Department of Justice’s recent filing of a misconduct complaint against Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg. This action by DOJ represents an unwarranted escalation and a politically motivated attack on the judiciary, which has been fulfilling its constitutional duty. DOJ Targets Judge Boasberg for Warning About Constitutional Crisis On July 28–29, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed DOJ to lodge a formal complaint based on Judge Boasberg’s warning—made at a March Judicial Conference—that the Trump administration might provoke a constitutional crisis by ignoring court rulings. DOJ claimed this remark undermined public confidence in the judiciary. This complaint appears to be retaliation for Judge Boasberg’s rulings halting deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act and his consideration of contempt charges against DOJ for defying court orders. Legal Experts and Whistleblowers Condemn DOJ’s Actions Constitutional scholar Steve Vladeck has called the complaint “ridiculous,” warning it aims to intimidate judges. A whistleblower also revealed that senior DOJ officials encouraged staff to disobey court orders and insult the judiciary, further highlighting the department’s pattern of hostility toward the courts. Misuse of Ethics Complaints Undermines Judicial Independence • DOJ appears to be weaponizing misconduct processes for political retaliation. • These actions erode the constitutional separation of powers. • Intimidation of judges endangers the rule of law and impartial governance. Congress Must Take Immediate Steps to Rein in DOJ Abuses 1. Support legislation to shield judges from retaliatory ethics complaints. 2. Demand full transparency from DOJ and the Office of Inspector General. 3. Hold hearings to investigate the politicization of DOJ ethics enforcement. 4. Protect whistleblowers like Erez Reuveni who expose DOJ misconduct. Uphold the Rule of Law by Defending Judicial Integrity Congress must act swiftly to defend judges from political retaliation and prevent DOJ from misusing its authority to intimidate the bench. I urge you to reaffirm judicial independence, ensure protections for good-faith jurists, and strengthen oversight of DOJ ethics enforcement. Upholding the rule of law demands