Can judges be impeached for their rulings? Chief Justice John Roberts says no amid Trump’s call for removal

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts pushed back against calls to impeach federal judges over their decisions, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence. His remarks come amid increasing political pressure on judges following controversial rulings on immigration and other hot-button issues.

Why did Chief Justice Roberts speak out on judicial impeachment?

Chief Justice Roberts issued a pointed statement on March 18, 2025, addressing growing calls to remove judges based on their rulings. "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose," he said.

His comments appear to be a direct response to President Donald Trump’s call to impeach U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg. The judge recently issued an order blocking the deportation of certain Venezuelan migrants under a rarely used law—the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, calling Boasberg a "Radical Left Lunatic" and demanding his removal.

Has impeachment been used against judges in the past?

Historically, impeachment has been reserved for serious offenses, such as ethical violations, corruption, or criminal conduct. The U.S. Constitution allows impeachment for "high crimes and misdemeanors," but not simply for issuing controversial rulings.

Since 1803, only 15 federal judges have been impeached, and just eight have been convicted and removed by the Senate. A notable case occurred in 1804 when Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase faced impeachment after President Thomas Jefferson pushed for his removal due to his political biases. The Senate ultimately acquitted Chase, reinforcing the principle that judges should not be removed for their judicial decisions.

What does this mean for judicial independence in the U.S.?

Legal experts argue that attempts to remove judges based on their rulings threaten the separation of powers. "What we are seeing is an attempt by one branch of government to intimidate another branch from performing its constitutional duty. It is a direct threat to judicial independence," said Marin Levy, a law professor at Duke University.

Chief Justice Roberts has long defended the judiciary from political interference. In 2018, he famously rebuked then-President Trump for labeling a judge an "Obama judge," stressing that an independent judiciary is fundamental to democracy.

While Trump's comments have sparked heated debate, impeachment of judges remains highly unlikely. The process requires a majority vote in the House of Representatives and a two-thirds vote in the Senate—an extremely high bar to meet.

FAQs:

Why did Chief Justice Roberts oppose impeaching judges?
Roberts stated that impeachment is meant for misconduct, not for disagreements over rulings.

Has any judge been impeached for rulings before?
No, U.S. judges have only been impeached for ethical or criminal violations, not for decisions.