Amna Nawaz:
President Trump’s frustration with the judicial branch has only grown since he reentered the White House, and many of his policy priorities have been slowed down or blocked in courts.
Mr. Trump and members of his administration have been openly critical of some judges, calling them radical, lunatics or lawless, and suggesting some should be impeached. A recent report from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism found — quote — “Violent threats and calls for impeachment against judges have risen by an alarming 327 percent between May of 2024 and March of 2025.”
Yesterday, leadership from the Judicial Conference — that’s the policymaking group of federal judges — testified on Capitol Hill, seeking a nearly 20 percent budget increase for security measures.
One federal judge knows how real the threat of violence can be. Nearly five years ago, Judge Esther Salas’ husband was shot and her son, Daniel, was killed by a disgruntled lawyer posing as a delivery driver at her home, according to police.
Judge Salas from the U.S. District Court of New Jersey joins me now.
Judge, welcome to the “News Hour,” and thank you so much for making the time to join us.
Judge Esther Salas, U.S. District Court of New Jersey: Thank you for having me, Amna.
