Fact Check: Trump's Rhetoric Has Been Linked to Threats Against Judges
What We Know
There has been a notable increase in threats against federal judges since Donald Trump took office. According to data from the U.S. Marshals Service, threats against judges more than doubled, with 197 judges threatened between March and late May of 2025, compared to 80 judges in the previous five months (Washington Post). This surge coincided with Trump's public criticisms of the judiciary, where he and his allies have often blamed judges for obstructing his administration's policies. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has publicly condemned threats against judges, stating that such rhetoric is “totally unacceptable” and can lead to serious consequences, including violence (New York Times).
Roberts emphasized the dangers of political rhetoric that targets judges, warning that it could incite violence against them. He noted, “The danger, of course, is somebody might pick up on that, and we have had, of course, serious threats of violence and murder of judges just simply for doing their work” (Politico). This sentiment has been echoed by various legal experts and former justices, who have expressed concern that such rhetoric undermines the rule of law and judicial independence.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Trump's rhetoric has contributed to threats against judges is substantial. The spike in threats aligns with Trump's public statements and actions that have been perceived as hostile towards the judiciary. For instance, Trump's calls for the impeachment of judges who ruled against his policies have been linked to increased hostility towards the judicial system (Washington Post).
Chief Justice Roberts' warnings about the consequences of political rhetoric are particularly significant. His role as the head of the judiciary lends credibility to his concerns, as he has firsthand knowledge of the pressures and threats judges face. The U.S. Marshals Service's data further corroborates the claim, showing a clear increase in threats during a period marked by Trump's contentious relationship with the courts (New York Times).
However, it is essential to note that threats against judges can arise from various sources, and not all threats are directly linked to Trump's rhetoric. Nonetheless, the correlation between his statements and the rise in threats cannot be overlooked. The context of heightened political tensions and the specific targeting of judges involved in cases against the Trump administration suggest a troubling trend that merits serious attention.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump's rhetoric has been linked to threats against judges is substantiated by credible evidence. The significant increase in threats against judges since Trump took office, combined with his inflammatory statements about the judiciary, supports the conclusion that his rhetoric has contributed to a hostile environment for judges. Chief Justice Roberts' warnings about the dangers of such rhetoric further reinforce this assessment, highlighting the potential for real-world consequences stemming from political discourse.
