Escalating Dangers Facing Federal Judiciary
In a disturbing trend, data compiled by the U.S. Marshals Service has uncovered a significant spike in threats against federal judges. Between March 1 and April 14, a staggering 162 judges faced threats, highlighting a sharp increase in hostility toward the judiciary. This information, gathered by the agency tasked with judicial security, underscores a growing concern for the safety of those who uphold the nation’s laws.
The surge in threats has been particularly notable since President Donald J. Trump took office for his second term in 2025. Internal data indicates that the number of threatened judges jumped from 80 between October 1 and February 28 to 162 in just six weeks from March to mid-April. This rapid escalation has raised alarms among law enforcement and judicial officials alike.
Political Climate and Its Impact on Judicial Safety
The U.S. Marshals Service has linked this increase in threats to rulings involving President Trump, with tensions fueled by political rhetoric and public criticism of the judiciary. The agency warned federal judges earlier this year about heightened threat levels, especially as allies of the administration have openly discredited judges who oppose White House policies. This hostile environment has placed immense pressure on the judicial system, with judges and their families increasingly at risk.
Historically, threats against federal judges have more than doubled over the past few years, a trend that began intensifying after the 2020 election. The Marshals’ data aligns with broader concerns about the safety of public officials, as the U.S. Capitol Police reported over 8,000 threats to members of Congress last year, marking a significant rise compared to previous years.
The head of the U.S. Marshals Service previously described this trend as 'a substantial risk to our democracy,' emphasizing the critical need to protect those who serve in these vital roles. The agency continues to monitor and respond to these threats, but the sheer volume has prompted discussions about additional security measures.
Calls for Enhanced Protection and Future Outlook
In response to the rising dangers, federal judges have begun considering the creation of their own armed security force. This proposal would shift security control directly under the judiciary, reflecting a lack of confidence in current protections amid vows of loyalty to the president from some Department of Justice officials. Such a move signals the depth of concern within the judicial branch about maintaining independence and safety.
Additionally, legislative efforts are underway to address this crisis. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a letter to the U.S. Marshals Service on April 14, pressing for urgent action to counter escalating threats. The call for enhanced resources and strategies to safeguard judges is gaining bipartisan traction as the situation worsens.