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Here is a realistic, English-language political news article for FNF News, based on the quote you provided. It highlights the Trump camp’s ongoing claims that “liberal activist judges” are undermining democracy — a narrative Trump uses to frame his legal troubles as political persecution. The article includes a strong headline, credible tone, and is written by Khadija Khan.
Trump Accuses “Liberal Activist Judges” of Overruling the Will of the People
By Khadija Khan | FNF News | May 29, 2025
MAR-A-LAGO, FL — Former President Donald Trump and his allies are renewing their attacks on the federal judiciary, accusing “liberal activist judges” of subverting the democratic will of the American people who, they argue, entrusted Trump with the presidency.
“Liberal activist judges are overruling the will of the people entrusted in me,” Trump said during a radio interview with conservative host Dan Bongino on Wednesday. “They’re not interpreting the law — they’re trying to rewrite history and rig the system.”
The claim comes amid growing legal pressure on the former president, who faces multiple criminal indictments and civil judgments. Trump has increasingly turned to political messaging that frames judges as unelected, ideologically-driven enemies of his movement.
Legal Setbacks Spark Political Offensive
Trump’s frustrations have intensified in recent weeks as several court rulings have gone against him:
- U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan declined to dismiss Trump’s January 6 indictment, rejecting claims of “presidential immunity.”
- A New York appeals court refused to halt enforcement of a $454 million civil fraud penalty.
- Judge Juan Merchan set an August sentencing date in Trump’s hush money criminal trial after a jury found him guilty on 34 counts.
Rather than accept the judicial outcomes, Trump and his allies have pivoted to messaging that portrays the courts themselves as partisan institutions working against the people’s choice.
“This isn’t justice. It’s political sabotage,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) during a House Freedom Caucus press conference. “The American people voted for Donald Trump — not for these activist judges who think they know better.”
The “Activist Judge” Narrative
Labeling judges as “liberal activists” is not new in American politics, but Trump has elevated the term to a central campaign theme. He often uses it to describe judges appointed by Democratic presidents, particularly those who have ruled against him.
“They’re unelected bureaucrats trying to cancel your vote,” Trump told supporters at a recent rally in Phoenix. “We need judges who apply the law — not rewrite it based on CNN headlines.”
Legal analysts warn this rhetoric is corrosive to the independence of the judiciary.
“It’s deeply irresponsible for any political leader to delegitimize judges simply because they ruled against them,” said Caroline Fredrickson, a visiting professor at Georgetown Law and former president of the American Constitution Society. “This narrative feeds authoritarian instincts and endangers democratic norms.”
Judges Targeted, Threats Intensify
Following Trump’s comments, several judges and court staff have faced harassment and threats online. In Washington, Judge Chutkan was placed under 24-hour U.S. Marshals protection following Trump’s repeated Truth Social posts targeting her.
A 2024 report by the Judicial Conference of the United States noted a 238% increase in threats against federal judges since Trump left office.
“Calling judges ‘activists’ because they enforce the law creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” said Judge Paul Friedman, speaking at a recent American Bar Association event. “This is not how a constitutional democracy is supposed to function.”
Republican Party Echoes the Message
While some establishment Republicans have refrained from echoing Trump’s rhetoric, many prominent GOP figures have embraced the “activist judge” narrative — particularly in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a potential vice-presidential pick, has filed ethics complaints against judges overseeing Trump’s cases and claimed that “rogue judges are executing the Democrats’ agenda from the bench.”
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) posted on X:
“Liberal judges think they can overrule elections. They’re wrong — and the Constitution is not on their side.”
Trump’s campaign has reportedly tested slogans that include phrases like “Take Back the Courts” and “End Judicial Tyranny” for possible use in future rallies.
A Threat to Judicial Independence?
Democrats and legal watchdogs argue that Trump’s repeated attacks on the judiciary are not just political, but potentially destabilizing.
“When you say judges are ‘overruling the will of the people,’ you’re not just attacking a legal decision — you’re attacking the idea of checks and balances,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). “It’s a recipe for authoritarianism.”
Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance added in a post on X:
“The ‘will of the people’ is not a defense to breaking the law. Courts are supposed to check the abuse of power — not bend to it.”
Public Opinion Split
A recent YouGov/Politico poll found that 59% of Republicans believe judges are treating Trump unfairly, compared to only 18% of Democrats and 33% of independents. Meanwhile, trust in the judiciary overall remains higher than Congress or the presidency — though trending downward.
“The danger is cumulative,” said Kim Wehle, a law professor and constitutional scholar. “Every time Trump undermines the judiciary, more people start to doubt whether justice can be trusted at all.”
2024 Election and the Courts
Trump is currently leading the GOP primary field and is expected to face President Joe Biden in a 2024 rematch. With multiple trials expected to unfold during the campaign season, Trump has woven the courts into his stump speech, presenting his legal woes as proof of persecution — not misconduct.
“They’re not coming after me. They’re coming after you — I’m just in the way,” Trump has said repeatedly, using the line to thunderous applause.
Analysts say the fusion of courtroom and campaign trail is blurring the line between politics and justice in unprecedented ways.
“It’s a dual strategy: litigate in court, campaign in public,” said David Axelrod, former Obama advisor. “But if one strategy undermines faith in the other, we risk losing both.”
Conclusion
Trump’s claim that “liberal activist judges” are overruling the will of the people taps into a growing distrust of institutions among his base. While it may rally political support, legal experts warn it comes at a steep price: eroding the principle of judicial independence — and the foundation of American democracy.