NBC correspondent Garrett Haake pushed back against White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s claim that U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg is a “Democrat activist,” pointing out that Republican President George W. Bush initially appointed him.
Leavitt’s remarks followed Boasberg’s decision to issue a restraining order against President Donald Trump’s use of an 18th-century law to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members.
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“And I would just like to point out that the judge in this case is essentially trying to say that the president doesn’t have the executive authority to deport foreign terrorists from our American soil,” Leavitt stated on Tuesday. “This judge does not have that authority. It is the opinion of this White House and of this administration, and that’s why we’re fighting this in court.”
She went on to accuse Boasberg of judicial activism. “And it’s very, very clear that this is an activist judge who is trying to usurp the president’s authority,” she continued. “And this judge, Judge Boasberg, is a Democrat activist. He was appointed by Barack Obama.”
Leavitt also referenced Boasberg’s wife’s political donations. “His wife has donated more than $10,000 to Democrats, and he has consistently shown his disdain for this president and his policies, and it’s unacceptable.”
However, Haake quickly countered her characterization of Boasberg’s judicial history, reminding viewers of his bipartisan support. “Judge Boasberg was originally appointed by George W. Bush and then elevated by Barack Obama,” Haake clarified. “I just feel like I should clear that up.”
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Leavitt dismissed the pushback, arguing that Boasberg’s ruling was part of a larger effort to obstruct Trump’s policies. “This is a clear, concerted effort by leftists who don’t like this president and are trying to impose or slow down his agenda,” she said.
The controversy has escalated as Trump himself has publicly called for Boasberg’s impeachment, further fueling tensions between the White House and the judiciary. As the legal battle unfolds, the dispute underscores the deep partisan divide over executive authority and judicial independence.
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