WASHINGTON – U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared Tuesday that Congress holds the authority to eliminate entire district courts, intensifying tensions between the legislative and judicial branches. His remarks come as the White House criticizes “activist” judges who have blocked key policies under Republican President Donald Trump.
Johnson, the top Republican in the House of Representatives, condemned what he called a “dangerous trend” of nationwide injunctions issued by federal judges that have obstructed Trump’s initiatives.
“It violates separation of powers when a judge thinks they can enjoin something that a president is doing—something the American people voted for,” Johnson stated at his weekly press conference.
The House Judiciary Committee, he added, will hold a hearing next week to highlight “judicial abuses” and recently advanced legislation to restrict district judges from issuing nationwide injunctions against federal policies.
“We do have authority over the federal courts,” Johnson said. “As you know, we can eliminate an entire district court. We have power over funding, over the courts, and all these other things. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and Congress is going to act.”
Nationwide injunctions have been used frequently in recent years, affecting policies enacted by presidents of both parties. However, any House-passed legislation seeking to limit judicial authority would face significant hurdles in the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Following criticism, Johnson later clarified that his remarks were not intended as a direct threat but rather to illustrate Congress’ broad authority over the judiciary.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer swiftly rebuked the comments, calling it “outrageous to even think of defunding the courts.” The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts declined to comment.
Johnson’s remarks also addressed impeachment resolutions filed by conservative House members targeting six judges who blocked actions by Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Among them is U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who drew Trump’s ire after halting the removal of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.
Trump called for Boasberg’s impeachment—a move met with a rare rebuke from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who stated, “Impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” noting that judicial rulings can be appealed through legal channels.
