Fact Check: "Judges face threats and intimidation under Trump's regime."
What We Know
Reports indicate that judges in the United States have faced increased threats and intimidation, particularly those who have ruled against former President Donald Trump or his administration. A notable instance involved unsolicited pizza deliveries to judges' homes, which many have interpreted as intimidation tactics. These deliveries reportedly began in February 2025 and have affected judges across at least seven states, raising significant security concerns among the judiciary (Washington Post).
Furthermore, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour expressed that judges are "terrified," highlighting the emotional toll these threats have taken on their families (Reuters). The U.S. Marshals Service has been monitoring these incidents, which include threats of violence and harassment directed at judges who have made rulings unfavorable to Trump (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that judges face threats and intimidation during Trump's regime is substantial. Reports from multiple credible sources, including Reuters and The Washington Post, document a pattern of intimidation tactics aimed at judges who have ruled against Trump. For instance, the unsolicited pizza deliveries to judges' homes, which have been described as an ongoing attempt to intimidate the judiciary, are particularly concerning. U.S. Circuit Judge J. Michelle Childs noted that she received multiple anonymous pizza deliveries shortly after ruling against the Trump administration, which she described as unsettling and a threat to judicial independence (Washington Post).
Moreover, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has warned about the rise in threats against judges, indicating that this is not merely anecdotal but part of a broader trend of intimidation that has escalated during Trump's presidency (NPR). The claim is further supported by the observation that threats against judges nearly doubled during Trump's time in office, as reported by USA Today (USA Today).
While some may argue that political rhetoric and the nature of judicial decisions can lead to heightened scrutiny of judges, the specific threats and intimidation tactics reported suggest a more alarming trend. The reliability of the sources reporting these incidents is high, as they include established news organizations with a history of investigative journalism.
Conclusion
The claim that judges face threats and intimidation under Trump's regime is True. The evidence presented from multiple reputable sources illustrates a clear pattern of intimidation directed at judges who have ruled against Trump, including unsolicited pizza deliveries and other forms of harassment. The increase in threats against judges during this period raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the safety of judicial officers.
