Former President Trump’s attacks on judges in his legal cases have drawn a scathing critique from former federal judge J. Michael Luttig. Luttig boldly asserts that these attacks are deeply problematic and laments the lack of action taken by those in power to address this issue. He implies that without meaningful intervention, the situation is unlikely to improve.
“We must acknowledge that since the former president initiated his relentless attacks on the federal courts, state courts, and their respective judges, his intention has always been to undermine the legitimacy of these institutions,” stated Luttig during his appearance on MSNBC’s “Deadline White House” on Friday.
“He continued that he wanted his followers, and possibly a significant portion of the nation, to perceive any rulings against him in the ongoing cases as politically motivated. This way, even if the rulings did not go in his favor, they could easily dismiss them as biased and influenced by political agendas.”
According to Luttig, Trump is currently the only one asserting that these institutions are no longer legitimate. However, there is a growing number of his supporters who share this belief.
Just a few days ago, Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing Trump’s hush money case involving Stormy Daniels, issued a gag order on the former president. In response, Trump expressed his anger towards Judge Merchan and even targeted his daughter.
The order prohibits him from making public attacks on witnesses, jurors, and other individuals during the upcoming trial, which is set to be the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president. It should be noted, however, that the order does not directly apply to the judge. Despite this, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argued on Friday that it should also extend to the judge.
In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump expressed his frustration over the double standards he perceives in the treatment he receives compared to others. He pointed out that while the Judge’s daughter is allowed to share pictures depicting her desire to see him behind bars, the Manhattan District Attorney can freely spread falsehoods about him. Trump also criticized the Judge for consistently disregarding the laws and constitution, yet he himself is not permitted to speak out about the attacks against him or the individuals trying to ruin his life and impede his chances of winning the 2024 Presidential Election, which he believes he is dominating.
In his court cases, the former president criticized the gag order as “illegal, un-American,” and “unconstitutional.” He also accused Merchan of political bias.
Luttig emphasized on Friday his belief that Trump’s constant criticisms of the Biden administration and judges have probably led others to believe that the system is not functioning effectively, describing it as a “tragedy.”
“And in November, they will vote for Donald Trump because they believe our systems of law and democracy are failing. That is the heartbreaking reality,” he explained to host Nicolle Wallace. These sentiments echo his previous remarks on X (formerly known as Twitter). “It is a tragic situation that our nation is currently facing.”
“We have allowed this to happen so far,” he added. “Allow, meaning that not a single person in a position of authority has taken the responsibility to address this issue.”
When questioned about whether Trump’s actions could be likened to that of a “mobster,” Luttig indicated that the former president’s rhetoric is actually more severe.
According to the former judge, Donald Trump’s threat to American democracy and the rule of law far surpasses that of a mobster. The fact that he held the position of President of the United States and is now engaging in attempts to undermine the legitimacy of America’s democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law is what makes his actions particularly concerning.
He added that this is the existential threat that America faces today.
Judge Reggie Walton was praised for his courageous act of defending the rule of law and sounding the alarm against tyranny by appearing on television.
