Demand Justice Revives Campaign to Counter Trump
In a renewed push to protect the integrity of the U.S. legal system, the liberal advocacy group Demand Justice has re-emerged with a strong call to action. On September 30, the organization announced its intent to urge Democratic lawmakers to 'demonstrate steadfast opposition to the dismantling and corruption of our legal system, courts and the rule of law,' as reported on their official website. This move comes in response to perceived threats from President Donald Trump's judicial appointments and policies, which the group argues undermine judicial independence.
Demand Justice has named Josh Orton, a veteran Democratic strategist and former top adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, as its new president to lead this effort. Orton's appointment signals an aggressive approach to spotlighting what the group describes as a 'radical agenda' tied to corporate elites and billionaire backers within Trump's judicial picks. The organization aims to mobilize public and political pressure to counter these influences.
'Justice Under Siege' Campaign Targets Trump's Legal Actions
Earlier in the year, on May 20, Demand Justice launched its 'Justice Under Siege' campaign to expose and resist President Trump's actions, including what they call repeated defiance of lawful court orders. The campaign seeks to highlight specific instances where they believe the administration has overstepped its authority, aiming to rally support among lawmakers and the public. This initiative underscores the group's broader mission to safeguard constitutional checks and balances.
The organization has expressed deep concern over actions that they argue threaten the judiciary's role in maintaining democracy. Their efforts are backed by coalitions like The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which has also voiced alarm over proposals and actions by Trump and his allies that could intimidate the judicial branch. These collaborative efforts aim to ensure that Congress rejects legislation perceived as undermining judicial integrity.
Democratic Lawmakers Urged to Act Amid Growing Concerns
As part of their strategy, Demand Justice is amplifying calls for Democratic lawmakers to stand firm against Trump's influence on the courts. Figures like Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Hank Johnson, ranking members of key House Judiciary subcommittees, have led efforts to counter Republican moves to weaken judicial funding and independence, as noted in statements from June 24. Their resistance reflects a broader Democratic push to protect the rule of law.
Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, shows a polarized response, with some users applauding Demand Justice's efforts while others criticize it as partisan overreach. Nonetheless, the organization remains focused on holding lawmakers accountable through electoral pressure and public advocacy, echoing concerns from experts like Harvard Kennedy School Professor Maya Sen about the risk of a constitutional crisis if legislative power continues to erode. With ongoing legal challenges tracked by resources like Just Security, Demand Justice's campaign is poised to keep judicial integrity at the forefront of national discourse.