In an unprecedented move, Senior U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton took to the airwaves to address the recent onslaught of threats targeting the judiciary, sparked by former President Donald Trump’s attacks on the daughter of a New York judge overseeing his forthcoming criminal trial.
During an exclusive interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Judge Walton expressed deep concern over the implications of such verbal assaults, particularly when they take the form of threats against judicial families.
“It’s deeply troubling to witness individuals making remarks aimed at a judge, especially when those remarks border on threats, particularly to one’s family,” Judge Walton remarked, his voice heavy with gravity.
Trump’s recent social media tirades against Justice Juan Merchan, including a derogatory reference to Merchan’s daughter as a “Rabid Trump Hater,” have raised alarms across the legal landscape. These attacks came in the wake of Merchan’s issuance of a gag order against Trump, restricting his public commentary on the case.
Judge Walton, a stalwart of the judiciary appointed by former President George W. Bush, emphasized the importance of restraint among those in positions of authority, cautioning against rhetoric that could potentially incite harm or even death.
The judge himself has not been immune to such threats, having faced numerous menacing messages following his involvement in cases stemming from the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Yet, undeterred by the backlash, Walton stressed the necessity for judges to speak out in defense of the judiciary’s integrity and the rule of law.
While Trump’s camp remained silent on the matter, criticism from his supporters surfaced, with calls for legal action against Judge Walton. However, the basis for such action remains uncertain, as judicial codes emphasize the upholding of integrity and independence without hindrance from extrajudicial pursuits.
Despite not presiding over any of Trump’s cases, Judge Walton’s impassioned plea for judicial prudence reverberates throughout the legal arena. As the battle for judicial integrity wages on, Walton’s message serves as a beacon of resilience in the face of unprecedented threats and attacks on the sanctity of the judiciary.
