Donald Trump Declares ‘No Judge Can Assume Duties of the President’

U.S. President Donald Trump, currently serving his second term, has escalated tensions with the judiciary, declaring that “No District Court Judge, or any Judge, can assume the duties of the President of the United States. Only Crime and Chaos would result. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” in a post on Truth Social.

The statement comes amid a series of legal challenges and judicial blocks on his administration’s policies, further highlighting the growing friction between the executive branch and the courts.

Legal Battles and executive roadblocks

Trump’s administration has faced an unprecedented number of lawsuits, with federal courthouses seeing around 100 cases challenging various executive actions. These lawsuits cover a wide range of issues, from his executive order on birthright citizenship to disputes over federal workers' rights and a freeze on federal funding.

In response to these challenges, federal judges have already blocked several of Trump’s key policies. For instance:

• Birthright Citizenship Order: Judge John Coughenour in Seattle ruled the order “blatantly unconstitutional.”
• Federal Workers Resignation Program: Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston put the program on hold, with a hearing pending.
• Federal Funding Freeze: Judge Loren Ali Khan blocked an attempt to halt certain federal funds.

President Trump and many in US are of the view that the courts are overreaching and interfering in the domain of the executive branch. 

Controversial deportation actions

Adding to the legal turmoil, the administration has been accused of violating a judge’s order by deporting around 250 Venezuelan individuals accused of gang activity to El Salvador. This move has drawn criticism and raised concerns about whether the White House is respecting judicial authority.

Trump’s Push to Reshape the Courts

In response to these legal hurdles, Trump has intensified efforts to reshape the judiciary. His administration has identified over 300 potential judicial vacancies, including 54 current or upcoming openings and nearly 250 judges eligible for senior status by 2028.

During his first term, he appointed 226 federal judges, and he continues to prioritize judicial appointments in his second administration. Additionally, the White House has publicly criticized judges who rule against Trump’s policies, with some officials even calling for their impeachment.

Escalating tensions between the White House and the courts

Trump’s Truth Social post reflects the deepening battle between his administration and the judiciary. His claim that no judge can assume presidential duties is seen by some as a direct challenge to the legal checks on his executive power. However, many view it as the executive branch reasserting itself. 

With more rulings expected in the coming weeks, the conflict between the executive branch and the courts is likely to intensify, setting the stage for a legal and political showdown over the limits of presidential authority.