Fact Check: Judges often face threats for their rulings.

Fact Check: "Judges often face threats for their rulings."

What We Know

Threats against federal judges have seen a significant increase in recent years, particularly since 2020. According to data from the U.S. Marshals Service, 277 federal judges were threatened in the fiscal year 2025 alone, representing about a third of the judiciary (source-1). In the five-month period leading up to March 1, 2025, 80 judges received threats, followed by an additional 162 threats in the subsequent six weeks (source-1).

The rise in threats has been attributed to heightened political rhetoric, particularly from former President Trump, who has publicly criticized judges for their rulings against his administration. This rhetoric has coincided with a notable increase in threats, as many judges have expressed concern over their safety (source-1, source-4).

Moreover, a letter from judges to Congress highlighted that funding shortfalls have adversely affected the Judiciary's ability to ensure security at courthouses, which is particularly concerning given the rising threats (source-2).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that judges face threats for their rulings is robust and well-documented. The data provided by the U.S. Marshals Service indicates a clear upward trend in threats against judges, with specific numbers illustrating the scale of the issue (source-1).

The credibility of the sources is strong; the U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for the security of the judiciary, and their data is likely to be accurate and reliable. Additionally, the New York Times, which reported on this data, is a reputable news organization known for its investigative journalism (source-1).

However, it is essential to note that while the increase in threats correlates with political rhetoric, it is difficult to establish direct causation. The political climate has undoubtedly contributed to a more hostile environment for judges, but the motivations behind individual threats can vary widely.

Other sources, such as a report from Bloomberg Law, corroborate the findings, indicating that hundreds of threats have been logged against judges since the start of fiscal 2025 (source-8). This further supports the claim that judges are facing increased threats related to their rulings.

Conclusion

The claim that "judges often face threats for their rulings" is True. The evidence presented from multiple credible sources indicates a significant rise in threats against federal judges, particularly in the context of politically charged rulings. The data from the U.S. Marshals Service and corroborating reports from reputable news organizations provide a clear picture of a concerning trend that affects the safety and security of the judiciary.