House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan recently briefed President Donald Trump regarding his committee’s plans to review how federal courts have been intervening to block key aspects of the administration’s agenda.
“The country instinctively knows there’s been this aggressive push against the president for policies he campaigned on that he was elected to implement,” Jordan, an Ohio Republican, told reporters Monday. “That’s a problem.”
President Trump and his supporters have consistently criticized federal judges for issuing injunctions against his policies, with particular criticism directed toward U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who has halted Trump’s attempts to deport alleged gang members unilaterally.
Although House Republicans currently lack sufficient votes to impeach federal judges like Boasberg, they are exploring alternative approaches to judicial reform that align with the president’s goals. A confidential source disclosed that House Speaker Mike Johnson will meet privately with GOP Judiciary Committee members on Tuesday to discuss potential options.
Jordan informed Trump that the Judiciary Committee would hold a hearing next Tuesday, specifically targeting concerns over the authority of district court judges to issue nationwide injunctions, which broadly hinder the president’s initiatives.
Republicans are yet to decide whether judges will be called to testify during the hearings. However, Jordan mentioned that other witnesses are being finalized. Additionally, Jordan plans to engage with members of the House Appropriations Committee regarding judicial funding, though details of these discussions remain undisclosed.
Jordan has again endorsed legislation proposed by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), which aims to restrict district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions. The House intends to vote on this bill next week, while similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Josh Hawley.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley confirmed Monday that his committee would also examine nationwide injunctions through a hearing scheduled “within the next couple weeks.” Grassley, however, stated he has not yet determined if judges would testify.
