Mike Johnson Asserts Congressional Power Over Federal Courts Amid Trump Challenges
Washington, Thursday, 27 March 2025.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes Congress’s control over federal courts, suggesting potential actions like defunding or eliminating courts due to frustrations over judicial blocks on Trump policies.
Congressional Authority and Judicial Independence
In a significant development on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a former constitutional attorney, explicitly stated that Congress possesses broad authority over federal courts, including the power to ‘eliminate an entire district court’ [1][2]. This statement emerges amid growing tensions between the Republican-led House and the federal judiciary, particularly concerning recent court decisions affecting former President Donald Trump’s policies.
Immediate Catalyst and Judicial Response
The immediate trigger for this constitutional standoff was U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s recent ruling that temporarily halted the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants [1]. This decision prompted former President Trump to call for Boasberg’s impeachment on March 18, 2025 [1]. In response to such pressures on judicial independence, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public rebuke earlier this month, opposing calls for judicial impeachment over unfavorable decisions [1].
Legislative Actions and Practical Limitations
The House is preparing to vote on April 1, 2025, on a significant bill proposed by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) that would restrict district judges’ authority to issue nationwide injunctions [1][2]. However, any dramatic changes to judicial authority face substantial obstacles in the Senate, where Republican initiatives would require support from seven Democratic senators to overcome the filibuster [2]. Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley has expressed preference for a different approach, suggesting the focus should be on appointing more Republican judges rather than restricting judicial authority [2].
Constitutional Context and Political Implications
While Johnson later clarified that his remarks were meant to illustrate Congress’s constitutional powers rather than issue direct threats [2], the statement highlights the escalating tension between legislative and judicial branches [GPT]. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan is exploring potential funding restrictions on courts [2], though Johnson emphasized that such measures would only be considered as ‘desperate measures’ in response to what Republicans view as judicial overreach [2].