Republican Rep. Darrell Issa and former Speaker Newt Gingrich downplayed efforts to impeach federal judges, calling them symbolic rather than viable. The debate highlights divisions within the GOP over how to handle judicial decisions that have challenged Trump administration policies.
Republican Lawmaker Downplays Judicial Impeachment Efforts
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) dismissed calls from some GOP members to impeach federal judges, suggesting these efforts were more about political messaging than legislative action. Issa’s comments came during a Judiciary Committee hearing on what Republicans describe as judicial overreach.
Newt Gingrich Agrees on Impeachment’s Low Chances
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, testifying during the hearing, supported Issa’s view that impeachment proposals were unlikely to pass. He labeled them “political symbols, not legislative symbols,” implying they were more about energizing conservative voters than enacting real policy changes.
GOP Divided Over Handling of Federal Judges
While some Republicans want to impeach judges who have ruled against Trump administration policies, GOP leadership has shown little enthusiasm for such moves. Instead, Issa promoted legislation aimed at limiting judges’ ability to block presidential policies nationwide.
Democrats Defend Judicial Oversight
Democrats pushed back, arguing that courts were acting as a necessary check on a president who has repeatedly tested legal and constitutional boundaries. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) criticized impeachment threats, calling them an attempt to intimidate judges.
Internal Republican Debate on Court Injunctions
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed hesitation about limiting judicial power, noting that Republicans previously supported nationwide injunctions when judges blocked Biden administration policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This internal divide reflects broader tensions within the GOP over legal strategy.
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