Cruz and Booker debate threats to judges during Trump’s term.

Content Summary

During a recent Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) engaged in a heated debate regarding the increase in threats directed at federal judges, particularly during Donald Trump’s second term. The hearing, titled “The Supposedly Least Dangerous Branch: District Judges v. Trump,” addressed the growing concerns about the safety of judges amidst a backdrop of executive actions from the former president, which have led to an unprecedented number of judicial injunctions.

Cruz opened the session by accusing Democratic members of the subcommittee of remaining silent about the threats faced by conservative judges, particularly after protests were organized outside the homes of Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. He criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for allegedly inciting these protests ahead of the deciding ruling on abortion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, arguing that Democrats’ current concerns seem hypocritical in light of their prior behaviors.

In stark contrast, Booker condemned Cruz’s accusations, asserting that Democrats had publicly condemned threats against judges and worked across party lines to enhance security measures for them. He rejected Cruz’s characterization of their response as muted, citing previous bipartisan efforts to address the issue and denouncing the implications of partisanship. Booker emphasized that rhetoric from politicians can exacerbate societal divisions, urging a focus on the core issues affecting judges instead.

The discussion escalated as Cruz attempted to focus on legal violations related to protests outside judges’ homes, specifically referencing U.S.C. Section 1507, which prohibits such actions meant to influence judicial proceedings. He lamented the inaction from the Biden Justice Department concerning prosecutions linked to these protests, leading Booker to rebuke him for constantly interrupting. Booker argued that the notion that Democrats had been silent in the face of threats was a false narrative, underscoring the shared concern over judicial safety.

This contentious exchange occurred in the context of a disturbing trend; the number of threats against federal judges has surged during Trump’s presidency. The U.S. Marshals Service reported over 370 investigations into threats against judges since January, a significant rise from previous years. Democratically-aligned members of the subcommittee called for increased investigations by the Justice Department and FBI into troubling incidents, such as unsolicited deliveries to judges that could serve as threats or intimidation regarding their homes. The hearing highlighted persistent tensions surrounding judicial independence and the safety of judges amid a politically charged atmosphere.



Source: www.foxnews.com