How Trump is using the courts to get what he wants - and changing the shape of presidential power

July 21, 2025

Donald Trump's second term presidency has sparked an unprecedented confrontation with the federal judiciary, with judges facing increasing threats and hostility. After securing favorable Supreme Court rulings that limit judicial oversight of presidential actions, Trump has issued over 160 executive orders and publicly lambasted judges who oppose his agenda, calling them "crooked," "monsters," and "radical left. " The administration's rhetoric and actions have raised concerns about the constitutional balance of powers, with some constitutional experts warning that the traditional system of checks and balances is being undermined as Trump pushes the boundaries of executive authority beyond what previous presidents have attempted.

Who is affected

Federal district judges and the judiciary as a whole
Judges who have issued rulings against Trump's executive orders
The public subjected to executive orders without judicial review
Government institutions maintaining checks and balances
Specific individuals like Judge Esther Salas and other judges receiving threats
Immigrants and migrants targeted by Trump's immigration policies
People whose constitutional rights may be impacted by executive actions

What action is being taken

Trump is issuing numerous executive orders (160+ to date) at a pace exceeding previous administrations
The administration is publicly criticizing and delegitimizing judges with inflammatory rhetoric
Some judges are continuing to issue nationwide injunctions despite Supreme Court limitations
The US Marshals Service is documenting threats against judges, which have surpassed 2022 totals by mid-2024
Judges are speaking out about the unprecedented attacks on judicial authority
Some critics argue the administration is slow-walking compliance with court orders

Why it matters

This confrontation threatens the constitutional system of checks and balances between branches of government
The rhetoric against judges has coincided with increased threats to judicial safety, with over 400 threats against nearly 300 judges by mid-June 2024
Trump's approach could permanently reshape the balance of powers in the US government
The judiciary's ability to provide oversight of executive actions is being challenged
Constitutional protections and rights could be undermined if courts cannot effectively check executive power
The situation represents what experts call an "unprecedented" attack on judicial authority

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC