Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson got a standing ovation Thursday night after taking aim at what she called the “relentless attacks” on federal judges under Donald Trump. Speaking at a judges’ conference in Puerto Rico, Jackson didn’t name Trump directly, but the message was crystal clear.
“Across the nation, judges are facing increased threats of not only physical violence, but also professional retaliation just for doing our jobs,” Jackson said. “And the attacks are not random. They seem designed to intimidate those of us who serve in this critical capacity.”
Her words hit hard in a room full of federal judges. Jackson, the newest member of the Supreme Court, made it clear the attacks weren’t just personal—they threaten the very foundation of American democracy.
“The attacks are also not isolated incidents,” she said. “That is, they impact more than just individual judges who are being targeted. Rather, the threats and harassment are attacks on our democracy, on our system of government and they ultimately risk undermining our Constitution and the rule of law.”
She warned that this kind of pressure on judges is the kind of thing you’d expect in countries that don’t respect freedom or justice.
“Attacks on judicial independence is how countries that are not free, not fair, and not rule of law oriented, operate,” she said.
Jackson’s speech comes after a string of high-profile attacks on judges by Trump and his allies. In March, Trump called Judge James Boasberg a “troublemaker” and a “Radical Left Lunatic” for blocking one of his deportation orders. House Republicans have tried to impeach at least six judges who ruled against the administration.
One judge in Wisconsin was even arrested this month, accused of helping an undocumented immigrant escape detention. Others have received death threats. One New Jersey judge had a pizza delivered to her home—addressed to her murdered son.
Stephen Miller, a top Trump aide, recently blasted “Communist” judges for supposedly protecting “terrorists.” Elon Musk posted on X calling for judges who go against Trump’s agenda to be impeached.
Jackson didn’t flinch. She reminded the room that this isn’t the first time judges have stood strong under pressure—from civil rights rulings to the fallout of Watergate.
“Other judges have faced challenges like the ones we face today, and have prevailed,” she said.
The crowd rose to its feet.
After her speech, Jackson sat down for a conversation about her life and career with a former judge she once clerked for.
