The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a formal judicial misconduct complaint against Chief Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, citing alleged improper public comments made about former President Donald Trump and his administration.
The complaint, announced on July 28 by Attorney General Pam Bondi, stems from statements Boasberg reportedly made during a judicial conference in March 2025. Bondi stated that the judge’s remarks “undermined the integrity of the judiciary” and were inappropriate for someone presiding over politically sensitive cases.
Judge Boasberg, 62, drew national attention after issuing an order to halt deportation flights involving hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members. These flights had been authorized under the Alien Enemies Act by the Trump administration. When the administration reportedly disregarded his order, Boasberg initiated contempt proceedings—actions later paused by an appeals court. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately vacated the temporary deportation ban.
Boasberg’s decisions sparked sharp criticism from Trump, who referred to the judge as a “Radical Left Lunatic” on social media and called for his impeachment. The criticism led Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a rare public statement defending judicial independence, noting: “Impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”
In the misconduct complaint, Chad Mizelle, Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice, accused Boasberg of attempting to influence Chief Justice Roberts and other federal judges by raising concerns about the Trump administration’s alleged disregard for court rulings. Mizelle claimed Boasberg’s comments, made during a March 11 judicial conference, violated ethical rules prohibiting judges from publicly discussing ongoing cases.
Judge Boasberg has served on the federal bench since 2011 following his nomination by President Barack Obama. He was originally appointed to the D.C. Superior Court by President George W. Bush in 2002.
Legal experts say the complaint is part of a broader clash between the judiciary and the executive branch, particularly amid increased polarization surrounding immigration policy and judicial oversight.
No official response has yet been issued from Judge Boasberg’s office or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
