The guardians of America’s justice system have issued a stark warning to Congress: the bench is under siege. Federal judges—some of whom have blocked controversial moves by Donald Trump’s administration—are facing a surge of threats, and they say the time to act is now.
Appearing before lawmakers on Capitol Hill, U.S. Circuit Judge Amy St. Eve didn’t mince words. She urged a 19% increase in the judiciary’s security budget, bringing the request to a staggering $892 million for fiscal year 2026. The money would help shield judges and their families from a tide of intimidation tactics, ranging from online harassment to pizza deliveries intended to send a menacing message.
St. Eve, who chairs the Judicial Conference’s budget committee, said this influx of funding would cover everything from courthouse security officers to screening equipment and a growing effort to wipe judges’ personal data from the internet—a service that more than three-quarters of active judges now rely on.
Judge Robert Conrad, who runs the judiciary’s administrative office, warned lawmakers that the rule of law itself is on the line. “The independence of the judicial branch is jeopardized when judges are threatened with harm or impeachment based on their rulings,” he said.
This plea comes amid a toxic atmosphere where judges are routinely attacked for their decisions. Some have been branded “crooked” or “rogue” by Trump and his allies. Conservative lawmakers have gone so far as to try impeaching judges whose rulings haven’t aligned with the former president’s vision.
Recent investigative findings point to at least 11 federal judges whose families have been directly targeted after issuing rulings unfavorable to Trump-era policies. The anonymous pizza deliveries—while seemingly trivial—are part of a disturbing pattern meant to rattle the judiciary at home.
At the hearing, both Democrats and Republicans acknowledged the rising security risks, but tensions flared when Rep. Michael Cloud of Texas accused Judge Conrad of conflating legitimate impeachment powers with violent threats. Cloud took aim at Chief Justice John Roberts, who earlier criticized Trump’s attempts to vilify federal judges. “Impeachment is a constitutional role,” Cloud said, suggesting that judges who limit presidential power may be stepping out of line.
Conrad pushed back, reminding the panel that judicial decisions are meant to be challenged through appeals—not through fear, harassment, or political revenge.
The judiciary is seeking a total $9.4 billion budget next year—a 9.3% increase. But with Republicans looking to slash federal spending, it’s unclear whether the judges will get the support they say they desperately need.
One thing is certain: the robe no longer offers the protection it once did. And in today’s America, even the bench needs a bodyguard.
