'Just a Democrat activist': US District Judge Reggie Walton ridiculed as he rebukes Trump's relentless attacks on judiciary

In a CNN interview, Reggie Walton highlighted the gravity of Trump's scathing remarks directed at Judge Juan Merchan, who presides over his hush money case
PUBLISHED APR 1, 2024
US District Judge Reggie Walton delivered a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump's relentless attacks on the judiciary (Getty Images, United States Courts/YouTube)
US District Judge Reggie Walton delivered a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump's relentless attacks on the judiciary (Getty Images, United States Courts/YouTube)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a rare move, sitting US District Judge Reggie Walton delivered a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump's relentless attacks on the judiciary, highlighting how they might affect the integrity of the American legal system.

Speaking to CNN's Kaitlan Collins on 'The Source' on Thursday, March 28, Walton highlighted the gravity of Trump's remarks directed at Judge Juan Merchan, who presides over the former president's hush money case.



 

Reggie Walton notes how Donald Trump's attacks pose a threat to judicial independence

Walton expressed, "It’s very disconcerting to have someone making comments about a judge, and it’s particularly problematic when those comments are in the form of a threat, especially if they’re directed at one’s family." 

He added, "We do these jobs because we’re committed to the rule of law and we believe in the rule of law, and the rule of law can only function effectively when we have judges who are prepared to carry out their duties without the threat of potential physical harm."

Walton, who has faced similar threats as Merchan, emphasized the vital role of an independent judiciary in upholding democracy and preserving the rule of law.

The federal judge stressed, "I think it’s important in order to preserve our democracy that we maintain the rule of law. And the rule of law can only be maintained if we have independent judicial officers who are able to do their job and ensure that the laws are, in fact, enforced and that the laws are applied equally to everybody who appears in our courthouse."

He further noted, "I think it’s important that, as judges, we speak out and say things in reference to things that conceivably are going to impact on the process, because if we don’t have a viable court system that’s able to function efficiently, then we have tyranny. And I don’t think that would be good for the future of our country, and the future of democracy in our country." 

Former President Donald Trump listens as his attorney Todd Blanche speaks during a press conference at 40 Wall Street after a pre-trial hearing on March 25, 2024 in New York City. Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump's criminal trial to begin on April 15, which would make it the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 election. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Donald Trump has launched several attacks on Judge Juan Merchan and his daughter (Getty Images)

Despite gag orders imposed in certain cases, Trump continues to publicly criticize judges and individuals involved in his legal battles, prompting concerns among legal experts and the judiciary.

The court-imposed gag orders against Trump underscore the escalating tensions as he faces impending criminal trials. Walton remarked on the necessity of such measures in light of documented threats and the potential for interference with the administration of justice.

Merchan's partial gag order, while not prohibiting Trump from discussing District Attorney Alvin Bragg or the judge himself, aims to prevent interference with the case by restricting comments about potential witnesses, attorneys, and court personnel.

Walton commended Merchan's decision, affirming the importance of safeguarding judicial independence and the integrity of legal proceedings. He told CNN that despite facing threats judges "still have an obligation to ensure that everybody who comes into your courtroom is treated fairly regardless of who they are, or what they’ve done."

He mentioned, "But nonetheless, it is very troubling because I think it is an attack on the rule of law when judges are threatened and particularly when their family is threatened and it’s something that’s wrong and should not happen." 

Internet reacts to US District Judge Reggie Walton's remarks on Donald Trump

One said, "Kick this 'fake judge" off the bench! He [is] just one more Democrat activist," and another noted, "The 'attack' was to complain about the political bias of the adult daughter of the judge, who is an activist attorney."

A person remarked, "I don't think they appreciate just how much their lawfare has eroded respect for, and trust in, the justice system." 

"Remember what they mean by 'Democracy' They mean the consensus of federal institutions. It has nothing to do with the American people," wrote someone else. 

An individual opined, "Rule of law? What a joke, judges like this are so partisan that there is not justice or rule of law." 

One more simply stated, "Ridiculous man." 



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

Trump posted a scathing montage, accusing Democrats of shutting down the government to please their 'radical left' base
17 hours ago
John Kennedy is calling out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over the tough spot he’s in amid government shutdown
18 hours ago
Top officials in the Trump administration discussed invoking the Insurrection Act, which allows the president to deploy military forces on US soil
23 hours ago
Gavin Newsom rejected the bipartisan bill, calling it too costly and warning it could disrupt how California determines firefighter pay
1 day ago
The vote comes as California’s education agencies face a US Department of Justice lawsuit over alleged Title IX violations in girls’ sports
1 day ago
Donald Trump took aim at Sen Richard Blumenthal after his tense face-off with Attorney General Pam Bondi during a congressional hearing
1 day ago
Dick Durbin pressed Pam Bondi to justify sending troops to Illinois, accusing the Justice Department of hiding key information from the public
2 days ago
The comedian dubbed Chuck Schumer 'Hack-ie Mason', and then went on a rant against Democratic leadership in general
2 days ago
Trump promised America’s men and women in uniform that their pay is safe despite the government shutdown
3 days ago
The stipend is part of measures taken by the Trump administration to reduce illegal immigrants in US
5 days ago