Chief Justice John Roberts warns against attacks on judiciary

Chief Justice John Roberts just threw a verbal gavel at politicians stoking anti-judge rhetoric. Speaking at a judges’ conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, he called out the dangerous trend of vilifying jurists for simply doing their jobs. It’s a timely warning as political tempers flare and threats against judges spike.

The New York Post reported that Roberts addressed the crowd after the Supreme Court wrapped its term on June 27, 2025, tackling major cases like curbing nationwide injunctions and backing Maryland parents opting out of LGBTQ-themed school books.

His speech didn’t dive into those rulings but focused on the broader issue of inflammatory attacks on the judiciary. The timing feels deliberate, given recent violence and political heat.

The Supreme Court’s term ended with a bang, issuing six big decisions, including deferring a Louisiana redistricting case.

Roberts, chatting with 4th Circuit Chief Judge Albert Diaz, kept his remarks general but pointed. He’s fed up with judges being painted as political pawns.

Escalating Threats to Judges

“It becomes wrapped up in the political dispute that a judge who’s doing his or her job is part of the problem,” Roberts said. He’s right—casting judges as villains for upholding the law fuels a toxic narrative. When politicians sling mud, it’s no shock that unhinged folks might act on it.

“And the danger, of course, is somebody might pick up on that,” he added, referencing real-world consequences.

Just look at recent events: a man pleaded guilty in April 2025 to trying to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The judiciary isn’t a punching bag; it’s a cornerstone of order.

Congress isn’t blind to this. In 2024, they funneled $25 million to beef up security for the nine Supreme Court justices. It’s a sad necessity when political rhetoric turns into physical threats.

Roberts didn’t name names, but President Trump’s public gripes about court rulings blocking his executive actions loom large. “It’s not the judge’s fault that a correct interpretation of the law meant that, no, you don’t get to do this,” Roberts said. A polite but firm jab at those who cry foul when the law doesn’t bend their way.

“If it’s just venting because you lost, then that’s not helpful,” he continued. It’s a call for maturity in a political climate that often resembles a toddler’s tantrum. Leaders on both sides need to cool it before their words ignite something worse.

Roberts has been here before. In March 2025, he shot down Trump’s push to impeach “crooked” federal judges, stressing that impeachment isn’t a tool for settling judicial grudges. The man’s consistent: keep the judiciary out of political crosshairs.

A Plea for Civility

“For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” Roberts declared.

He’s reminding everyone—left, right, or MAGA—that the system has checks, like appeals, for a reason. Torching judges’ reputations isn’t one of them.

The Supreme Court’s recent rulings, like limiting lower courts’ overreach, show judges sticking to their lane. Yet, they’re still catching flak from those who want the law to bend to their agenda. Roberts sees this as a dangerous double standard.

Take the Maryland case: parents won the right to opt out of classroom materials they found objectionable. It’s a win for parental choice, but critics spun it as anti-progressive. Roberts’ point? Judges rule on the law, not feelings.

“So, I think the political people on both sides of the aisle need to keep that in mind,” Roberts urged. It’s a plea for sanity in a polarized era where everyone’s itching for a fight. He’s not wrong—rhetoric has consequences, and judges are paying the price.

Tragic proof came earlier in June 2025, when Minnesota state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a shooting. Political violence is real, and Roberts’ warning isn’t just academic. It’s urgent.