U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche escalated the administration’s attacks on the judiciary, urging young lawyers to join what he called a “war” against “rogue activist judges.” Speaking at the Federalist Society’s annual conference, Blanche said DOJ lawyers are “bouncing around this country fighting these activist judges,” claiming some judges are now “as political as the most liberal governor or district attorney.”
Blanche’s rhetoric reflects a broader shift within the Trump-aligned Justice Department, which increasingly frames the judiciary not as an independent branch of government but as an adversary impeding the administration’s agenda. This confrontational posture comes after a series of federal court rulings blocking key policies and amid efforts by some lawmakers to remove judges who have ruled against the administration.
The administration has long accused judges who issue injunctions against its policies of being “activist,” “rogue,” or “deranged.” In recent months, courts have halted actions related to SNAP benefits and other major initiatives. At the same time, critics argue the administration has openly defied court orders, encouraged by figures in MAGA circles.
Blanche also targeted state bar associations—particularly the D.C. Bar, which oversees discipline for more than 120,000 lawyers. He called it “one of the most activist, obnoxious bars” for pursuing complaints against conservative lawyers. Blanche vowed to curb bar associations’ oversight power by limiting referrals and said the DOJ would support and fund outside counsel for its attorneys fighting disciplinary actions.