House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is making it clear that Congress will not sit by while federal judges obstruct President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. In a major pushback against judicial activists using lawfare to undermine the president’s mandate, Johnson is reminding Americans that Congress has the constitutional authority to act.
Speaking openly, Johnson said, “we do have authority over the federal courts, as you know. We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power, funding over the courts and all these other things.” He added, “desperate times call for desperate measures and Congress is going to act.”
Yes, Congress has the power to remove a district judge through impeachment. According to the U.S. Constitution, federal judges hold their positions during good behavior (Article III, Section 1), meaning they serve for life unless removed through impeachment. pic.twitter.com/tHW09FABp3
— M.A.G.A. (FINEST) (@NicholasFl90896) March 26, 2025
At issue is the president’s power under Article II and the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration says gives Trump full authority over deportation policy. Judges who are stepping in to delay or block that authority are being accused by Republicans of acting politically, not legally.
Johnson has not endorsed calls for impeachment, but he is supporting a broader Republican strategy to rein in what they see as a rogue judiciary. Some GOP lawmakers are exploring how court budgets are set and whether certain districts should be restructured.
Outside voices like Elon Musk have taken a harder line, backing impeachment of judges who appear to be using their positions to stall the president’s efforts. Johnson has kept his focus on congressional authority, but his remarks signal a willingness to escalate.
According to sources close to the administration, some are encouraging Johnson to provoke a constitutional showdown between the branches. The goal would be to stop what they see as a pattern of activist rulings designed to halt immigration enforcement.
Republicans in the House are now looking at legislative tools they can use to limit the ability of certain courts to interfere with executive decisions. Funding adjustments and redistricting plans are being discussed among GOP members.
