US Justice Department files 'misconduct complaint' against judge over Trump remarks

WASHINGTON

The US Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint Monday against a prominent judge over his remarks about President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

"Today at my direction, @TheJusticeDept filed a misconduct complaint against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg for making improper public comments about President Trump and his Administration,” Bondi said on X.

"These comments have undermined the integrity of the judiciary, and we will not stand for that," she added.

In April, Boasberg found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for defying an order to halt deportation flights of migrants to El Salvador.

Boasberg wrote in his 46-page decision that “the Government’s actions on that day illustrate a willful disregard for its Order,” describing the conduct as a “deliberate disregard” for the court’s directive.

“The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory,” he added.

Trump denied violating any order and called Boasberg a “radical left” judge, urging his impeachment. The Justice Department has accused Boasberg of overreach.