During a Congressional hearing on April 1, 2025, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich strongly criticized federal Judge James Boasberg, accusing him of a long-standing bias against former President Donald Trump. Speaking in response to Rep. Jim Jordan’s questions, Gingrich argued that Boasberg’s actions—particularly his injunctions blocking Trump-era deportations—demonstrate a “blatant, ongoing record of prejudice.” Gingrich urged Chief Justice John Roberts to intervene and remove Boasberg from his position. While he rejected the practicality of impeachment, Gingrich proposed that Congress could defund judicial actions, comparing the tactic to one used by Thomas Jefferson.

Gingrich warned that judges like Boasberg were part of a “coup,” implying they were working to override democratic processes and obstruct the enforcement of immigration law. He claimed that Boasberg and others were aligning with individuals engaged in unlawful activity, undermining the rule of law. Gingrich further accused institutions like the FBI of acting unlawfully and argued that the judiciary had overstepped its bounds in recent years. He insisted that the Chief Justice should focus on managing the judiciary or risk a major legitimacy crisis. This hearing followed a March 18 resolution introduced by Republican lawmakers calling for Boasberg’s impeachment, alleging he had violated his oath and obstructed presidential authority for political gain.

View a segment from the hearing: