US judges say their jobs are getting more dangerous under Trump

Following the election of Donald Trump as president, many of his supporters vowed to enact sweeping changes within the country. Trump himself had pledged to address every single crisis facing the nation upon taking office. However, numerous policies intended to achieve this goal encountered legal challenges, with over 850 lawsuits filed against the administration. For the judges tasked with handling these cases, the situation has become increasingly perilous.

A federal judge presiding over a Trump administration immigration crackdown case recounted receiving over 700 threatening phone calls. In response, the judge's child's school ramped up active shooter drills, and the family fortified their home with a safe room and practiced emergency procedures. Concern over threats to federal judges has surged during Trump's second term, according to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice.

This center, a nonpartisan law and policy institute, interviewed 35 sitting and retired judges - all appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents dating back to Ronald Reagan.

Every judge interviewed for the report noted that the dangers they face are more severe today than in the past. The US Marshals Service recorded a 57% increase in security incidents of significant concern in the 2025 fiscal year, with projections indicating the trend may continue in the 2026 fiscal year. Nearly all 17 judges serving at the time of the report expressed concern for their family members' safety.

Judges revealed feeling overwhelmed by the risks, with some even choosing to stop engaging in everyday activities due to heightened security measures.

The Brennan Center report identified three primary factors contributing to the escalating threat environment: political climate, the growing number of threats from politically motivated individuals, and the intense public scrutiny surrounding Trump administration cases. Several judges attributed the risk to the administration's attempts to exert influence over the judiciary, potentially testing its limits in response to perceived power imbalances.

While the report acknowledges that threats have not influenced judicial decisions, judges remain apprehensive about the risks involved. Some have contemplated retiring prematurely due to the intense pressure and exposure to harassment, particularly affecting judges with diverse backgrounds who face more intense vitriol and hostility.

The USMS does not disclose demographic data on the judges who receive threats, but state and local officials have found that women and people of color experience a disproportionate level of targeted abuse compared to their male and white counterparts.