Fact Check: Roberts rejected calls for impeaching judges after Trump's demands.

Fact Check: Roberts Rejected Calls for Impeaching Judges After Trump's Demands

What We Know

On March 18, 2025, Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rejected calls for the impeachment of federal judges, shortly after President Donald Trump demanded the removal of U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg. Judge Boasberg had issued a ruling blocking deportation flights that Trump was attempting to carry out under wartime authorities. In his statement, Roberts emphasized that "for more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision" and noted that the normal appellate review process exists for that purpose (AP News, Reuters).

Trump had characterized Judge Boasberg as a "troublemaker and agitator" and called for his impeachment in response to the ruling that impeded his deportation plans. This incident reflects ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches, particularly regarding Trump's immigration policies and the judiciary's role in reviewing executive actions (AP News, CNN).

Analysis

The claim that Roberts rejected calls for impeaching judges following Trump's demands is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Chief Justice Roberts' statement was a direct response to Trump's public comments, which included a call for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg. The context of Roberts' remarks indicates a defense of judicial independence and a rejection of the politicization of the judiciary. He articulated that impeachment should not be used as a tool against judges simply for making unpopular rulings (New York Times, CNN).

Roberts' statement is consistent with his previous positions on judicial independence, as he has often defended the judiciary against political attacks. For instance, he previously criticized Trump for labeling judges based on their perceived political affiliations, asserting that "we do not have Obama judges or Trump judges" (New York Times). This history of defending judicial integrity adds credibility to his recent statement, indicating that it was not merely a reaction to Trump's comments but part of a broader commitment to uphold the separation of powers.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is high, as they include established news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and the New York Times, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes.

Conclusion

The claim that "Roberts rejected calls for impeaching judges after Trump's demands" is True. Chief Justice John Roberts did indeed issue a statement rejecting the idea of impeaching judges in response to President Trump's calls for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg. This reflects his commitment to maintaining the independence of the judiciary and upholding the established norms regarding judicial conduct and accountability.