US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 May 2025 22:21

Federal judges are considering forming their own armed security force amid fears that President Trump could withdraw the US Marshals' protection over court rulings.

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US President Donald Trump gestures while answering a reporter's question during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, on May 12, 2025, in Washington (AP)

A proposal for a judiciary-controlled armed security force reportedly emerged during a March Judicial Conference in Washington, attended by around 50 federal judges.

According to The Wall Street Journal, judges voiced concerns over their current protection by the US Marshals Service, which operates under Attorney General Pam Bondi, who, in turn, answers to President Trump.

The push for independent security has gained traction amid fears, echoed in a new Democratic-backed bill, that Trump could revoke the US Marshals’ protection in retaliation for unfavorable rulings.

A Justice Department official dismissed the proposal as “absurd", insisting that Marshals “will continue to protect the safety and security of federal judges.”

Following Republicans’ sweeping 2024 electoral victory, Democrats have increasingly looked to the judiciary to challenge Trump administration policies, ranging from birthright citizenship and mass deportations to federal budget cuts, foreign aid, and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.

Trump, allies intimidate 'radical left' judges

An intimidation campaign is targeting federal judges who have opposed Trump’s efforts to expand presidential power and reduce federal bureaucracy. Trump and his allies have called for judges' impeachment or labeled them as "radical left", and their families have become targets of harassment.

Since Trump's return to power in January, at least 60 judges have blocked or slowed his initiatives, according to a Reuters special report in early May. However, a dozen federal judges expressed concerns about the safety of their families, with many requesting anonymity to avoid worsening security fears or questioning their impartiality.

Since February, over 600 social media posts targeted the family members of judges who opposed the Trump administration, attacking their appearance and patriotism and even calling for violence, retaliation, or arrest. These posts, amplified by figures like Elon Musk, have been viewed over 200 million times.