'Hell on earth': NYT columnist delivers grim warning for America's judiciary
A New York Times opinion columnist sounded off Thursday over what he called an era of "awful era of intimidation and political violence," which he warned threatens to upend America's judiciary.
David French delivered a grim warning in his piece that federal judges have been inundated by threats nationwide, with "terrifying messages and encounters." That includes Judge Jack McConnell, who, after ruling against the Trump administration in March, received more than 400 “vile, threatening, horrible voice mails.”
"Our awful era of intimidation and political violence has come for them, and it represents a serious threat to the independence and integrity of the American judiciary," warned French.
He noted even the conservative-leaning Supreme Court has also faced such threats, including a man armed with a pistol and a knife being arrested outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home in 2022.
"The American judiciary is joining a terrible fraternity," wrote French. "Every other American with a public platform — no matter how large or small — knows that he or she is often one essay, one vote or one social media post away from enduring hell on earth."
Despite the amount of media coverage dedicated to such threats, a "quiet crisis" is unfolding for America's democracy, he added. That's because the consequences remain long after the news cycle ends, as public servants feel anxiety out in public and fear for the safety of their families at home.
French also warned of looming consequences after the Trump administration filed a misconduct complaint against a federal judge for undermining the "integrity and impartiality of the judiciary" by expressing fears the administration wouldn't abide by court orders.
While the complaint will likely be thrown out, French said the consequences could be severe.
"Whenever you see a public attack on a judge, know that it is like a signal flare. It galvanizes some of the worst people in America to make threats, dox family members and harass public officials into a state of fear and misery," he warned.
French pleaded with readers to "stand up for good people under fire."