This federal judge ruled against Trump. Then the death threats rolled in | 60 Minutes
In a Nutshell
Federal judges ruling against Trump's policies face unprecedented death threats, hoaxes, and harassment from his supporters, spurred by his inflammatory rhetoric calling judges "fools," "lunatics," and "monsters"—a 78% surge in serious threats over four years, overwhelming US Marshals. Bipartisan judges, including Reagan and Bush appointees, report heightened hostility post-Trump, exemplified by Judge Kunau's home swatting after blocking birthright citizenship termination and Judge Salis fearing escalation after her son's murder. This demonization erodes judicial independence and the rule of law, with new tactics like doxxing, dark web gallows, and weaponized pizza deliveries targeting judges' families.
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When the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs, he lashed out at two justices he had nominated, calling them fools and lap dogs. The president frequently railed against judges when they rule against him, followed by a barrage of violent threats from his followers against those judges. Spoke with 26 federal judges: 9 Democratic appointees, 17 Republican, both sitting and retired. Sitting judges feel under siege; most would not appear on camera due to safety fears.
Judge John Kunau, appointed by Ronald Reagan, blocked President Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship. Sheriff's deputies showed up at his home with guns drawn, reporting he had murdered his wife—a cruel hoax. Next day, a bomb threat. A congressman circulated a wanted poster with pictures of several judges, saying everything except "dead or alive." Threats included dozens if not hundreds of death threats, very ugly and threatening. Kunau has sentenced an al-Qaeda bomber and Montana militia members, needed round-the-clock protection, but never as many death threats as in the birthright citizenship case.
I've been at this for 44 years. I have never encountered the hostility toward the judiciary that has existed in this country in the last year. I don't think it's because we're making bad decisions. I think it's because there are people who think that they can make a lot of political hay out of criticizing the federal judiciary.
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