GOP drafts impeachment articles against federal judges blocking Trump orders

• Republican lawmakers have drafted articles of impeachment against two federal judges who ruled against Trump administration orders. Judges McConnell and Engelmayer, both Obama appointees, face impeachment efforts led by House Republicans.

• Elon Musk supports the impeachments, criticizing Judge Engelmayer and calling for immediate action.

• The impeachment process for federal judges is rare, requiring a House majority vote and a two-thirds Senate majority for removal.

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Republican lawmakers have drafted articles of impeachment against two federal judges who recently ruled against the Trump administration.

Rhode Island U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. issued a temporary pause on President Trump’s executive order to freeze federal funding. New York U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer blocked the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records.

Both judges, nominated by former President Barack Obama, have had articles of impeachment drafted against them by House Republicans.

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Elon Musk called for impeachment proceedings against judges

Elon Musk has been vocal in his support of impeaching judges. Musk called for the impeachments several times on X, stating, “It’s time,” and referring to Judge Engelmayer as “a corrupt judge protecting corruption,” adding, “He needs to be impeached now!”

Political divide over judge’s rulings

The issue of judges blocking several executive actions by President Trump has led to sharp political divisions. Some Democrats have sued to stop Trump’s orders, arguing they are an overreach of power and that court intervention is part of the checks and balances system.

Some Republicans, however, argue that the judges are abusing their power, and suggest their rulings are based on personal political views.

Republican lawmakers take action

Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde drafted the articles of impeachment against McConnell, stating on X, “He’s a partisan activist weaponizing our judicial system to stop President Trump’s funding freeze on woke and wasteful government spending.”

Arizona Republican Rep. Eli Crane drafted the articles of impeachment against Engelmayer, saying on X, “Partisan judges abusing their positions is a threat to democracy.”

Democratic lawmaker responds

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Md., called out efforts to impeach judges, specifically refuting Musk’s efforts.

Van Hollen wrote on X, “The judiciary is a co-equal branch of government, just like Congress and the presidency. When Musk and his cronies do illegal things, it’s their job to step in and block them. Musk may get to be a dictator at Tesla — he doesn’t get to be one in Washington.”

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What is the impeachment process?

Federal judges can be impeached, though it is rare, having occurred only 15 times in U.S. history, with eight resulting in removal from the bench, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

The impeachment process begins with a vote in the House, where a simple majority is required to impeach a judge. The Senate then holds a trial, and removal requires a two-thirds majority vote.