Karoline Leavitt Slams Federal Judge Over Immigration Ruling, Echoes Trump’s Criticism

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt followed President Donald Trump’s lead in forcefully criticizing a federal judge who recently ruled against the administration. She labeled the judge as an “activist” and even took aim at his spouse over political donations.

Karoline Leavitt Brutally Fact-Checked on Judge Who Blocked Trump

Leavitt’s remarks came shortly after Trump described Judge James Boasberg as a “radical left lunatic” and floated the idea of impeachment following the judge’s decision to temporarily halt deportation flights.

Who is Judge James Boasberg, and what is next in Trump deportation fight? - The Washington Post

“This judge is essentially claiming that the president lacks the authority to remove foreign terrorists from U.S. soil,” Leavitt said during a White House briefing. “That is a gross misuse of judicial power.”

She continued, “Judge Boasberg simply does not have the power to override the president’s constitutional authority. That’s the stance of this White House and why we are pursuing this battle through the courts. It’s very clear to us that this is a politically motivated judge attempting to undermine the president’s role.”

Leavitt also invoked the Alien Enemies Act, stating it grants the president explicit power in these matters, and emphasized that the administration’s deportation efforts would proceed. She pointed out that Boasberg is a Democratic appointee, having been nominated by former President Barack Obama.

Turning her focus to the judge’s wife, Elizabeth Manson, Leavitt noted that she had contributed over $10,000 to Democratic candidates and causes. She argued that such ties demonstrate a lack of impartiality, claiming the judge has repeatedly shown opposition to President Trump’s policies.

“The judge’s pattern of bias against this president is deeply troubling and simply unacceptable,” Leavitt said.

Despite her criticism, Leavitt underscored that Trump “respects” Chief Justice John Roberts, who recently cautioned that impeachment is not a suitable reaction to disagreement with judicial rulings.

Judge Boasberg, who was raised in Washington, D.C., holds degrees from Yale Law School and Oxford University. He was appointed by Chief Justice Roberts to lead the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees complex national security matters.