Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is signaling a shift in strategy as Republicans grow more frustrated with what they view as political interference from federal judges. Rather than call for immediate impeachment, Johnson is emphasizing the constitutional authority Congress holds over the judiciary.
Speaking openly, Johnson said that Congress can take action to “eliminate an entire district court” and pointed to the fact that lawmakers “have power, funding over the courts and all these other things.” He added that “desperate times call for desperate measures and Congress is going to act.”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2025
This marks a sharp warning to federal judges who Republicans believe are deliberately undermining President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and other actions through politically charged rulings. Some of those in the administration have argued that these legal battles are not just judicial disagreements but part of a broader effort to disrupt executive power.
This makes me so happy pic.twitter.com/xKOXP11C6d
— The Blue State Refugee (@TheMigrantKing) March 26, 2025
The debate has focused in part on the Alien Enemies Act and how it interacts with the president’s powers under Article II. Supporters of Trump say he has the constitutional right to control deportations and that courts are obstructing those duties.
Yes, Congress has the power to remove a district judge through impeachment. According to the U.S. Constitution, federal judges hold their positions during good behavior (Article III, Section 1), meaning they serve for life unless removed through impeachment. pic.twitter.com/tHW09FABp3
— M.A.G.A. (FINEST) (@NicholasFl90896) March 26, 2025
Although some Republicans have pushed for impeachment of judges they believe are politically motivated, Johnson has not gone that far. Instead, he’s keeping the focus on Congress’ control of judicial budgets and court organization.
That approach appears to reflect a broader effort to challenge the judiciary without engaging in politically risky impeachment efforts. Republicans are also discussing how to restructure funding and district boundaries to reflect concerns about judicial overreach.
Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution says that judges hold their offices during good behavior.
Abusing judicial authority for political gain should result in their impeachment. pic.twitter.com/xQ1o7L9m9A
— Western Decline (@WesternDecline_) March 26, 2025
Among those calling for stronger action is Elon Musk, who has publicly criticized certain judges as abusing their role by turning the legal system into a platform for partisan attacks.
White House officials are watching closely to see if Johnson’s comments signal the start of a more aggressive response to legal interference.
