Federal judges are considering taking control of their own armed security forces, amid growing concerns about the Trump administration’s ability to protect them from rising hostility. The proposal emerged at a meeting of 50 federal judges two months ago, where they expressed worries that President Trump could instruct the US Marshals Service to withdraw security protection if he disagreed with a judge’s ruling.
Currently, federal judges rely on the US Marshals Service, managed by the Justice Department. However, the proposed change would put the marshals under the direct control of Chief Justice John Roberts, rather than Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is seen as a Trump loyalist.
Some judges have faced security threats since President Trump began criticizing court rulings against his policies. In February, Judge James Boasberg was targeted by a swatting attack after issuing an order blocking Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Senior Democrats have demanded an investigation into dozens of pizza deliveries to the homes of federal judges.
The move comes as the number of legal challenges to Trump administration actions continues to rise. There have been 249 legal challenges to date, with judges often finding themselves on the front lines of contentious constitutional battles over issues like birthright citizenship and mass deportations.
The White House has dismissed the idea, stating that marshals will continue to protect federal judges’ safety and security, but it is unclear whether this would be enough to address concerns about Trump’s ability to intimidate or influence the judiciary.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/25/federal-judges-armed-security-doj-trump-attacks