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

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." 

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.