In recent weeks, the U.S. judiciary has taken a strong stand against several actions by President Donald Trump’s administration. While top Democratic leaders have mostly chosen not to fight back aggressively, federal judges are stepping in to protect basic rights and constitutional rules — even as the administration appears to be ignoring some of their rulings.
Judges Challenge Trump’s Controversial Policies
Judges have placed temporary blocks on multiple Trump administration actions, including:
Mass firings of federal employees under the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.
A ban on transgender people joining the U.S. military.
Cuts to science funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A plan to shut down USAID without Congress’s input.
Executive actions to roll back birthright citizenship.
Efforts to detain Venezuelan migrants in Guantánamo Bay or send them to dangerous prisons abroad.
Judge James Boasberg, in particular, has halted the deportation of Venezuelan asylum seekers under a rarely used law called the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration tried to use to send migrants to CECOT, a notorious prison in El Salvador known for human rights abuses.
Trump Administration Defies Court Orders
Despite these court rulings, the Trump administration has reportedly gone ahead with actions that judges explicitly ordered to stop. For example, even after Judge Boasberg said no flights should go to El Salvador, three flights carrying hundreds of migrants still landed at CECOT. There, men had their heads shaved and were thrown into overcrowded cells.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele mocked the U.S. court ruling on social media. White House officials also joked online, while Trump himself attacked Judge Boasberg, calling him a “radical left lunatic.” Musk joined in, calling for the judge to be impeached and donating to politicians who support that idea.
Judges Under Political Attack
Members of Trump’s team — including Vice President J.D. Vance and senior aide Stephen Miller — have publicly said that judges don’t have the authority to block national security actions. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Brandon Gill, have even introduced articles of impeachment against Judge Boasberg.
The White House has also taken action against law firms challenging Trump’s policies, stripping security clearances and warning them not to take on more cases. Meanwhile, threats against judges and their families have become more common, worrying many in the legal community.
Chief Justice Responds Cautiously
Chief Justice John Roberts made a rare public statement defending judicial independence. However, he did not directly name Trump, Musk, or Judge Boasberg. Critics say Roberts is avoiding acknowledging that a constitutional crisis is already happening — one where the government openly ignores court orders.
What the Courts Say vs. What the Government Does
Even when the courts block policies, the administration often finds ways around the rulings. For example:
NIH grant programs were “restored” but no meetings to approve funding are being held.
Fired federal workers are rehired — but placed on paid leave to keep them from working.
Deportation orders are ignored, and migrants are secretly moved.
This creates a situation where the government appears to follow the law on paper but undermines it in practice.