Chief Justice: Personal attacks on judges are "dangerous and it's got to stop"

CBS News
March 17, 2026
2 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Chief Justice Roberts warns that personal attacks on judges are dangerous and must stop.

AI Summary

Chief Justice John Roberts has called for an end to personal attacks on judges, warning they are "dangerous," in an apparent response to President Trump's recent criticism of Supreme Court justices. Trump publicly attacked justices who voted to strike down most of his tariffs, accusing them of disrespecting the presidents who appointed them. The Chief Justice's statement underscores rising tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over Trump's tariff policy and reflects broader concerns about judicial independence under political pressure. Roberts has previously spoken out about threats to the court's institutional standing and public confidence in its impartiality. The clash highlights the ongoing friction between Trump and members of the bench he appointed, including those whose rulings have diverged from his policy agenda.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Chief Justice: 'Personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it's got to stop'
National Security

Chief Justice: 'Personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it's got to stop'

As threats against judges surge, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts says "personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it's got to stop."

ABC NewsMar 17
Chief Justice Roberts says personal criticism of judges is dangerous and has ‘got to stop’ - AP News
Politics

Chief Justice Roberts says personal criticism of judges is dangerous and has ‘got to stop’ - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiowFBVV95cUxPeGdna01zVUw3cVN6NUVGUFRPRWJsVTNZNzlMZHU2eXZocU00c1Njc1hkQ08ybnJNbUtpRmpvSXlMWG1OYVVQS0F6bzN3Mkgyazdza3ZHSUx5RndIcGJlX01LMWVIanlweUJmWHBDa0VmYTFNay1KMFBBeVNJUXBqRUFzdFQtOGR3YzZNNmUtYVh3Z2hqVjd6VElNdWxFekxWSUE0?oc=5" target="_blank">Chief Justice Roberts says personal criticism of judges is dangerous and has ‘got to stop’</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 17
Roberts on personal attacks against judges: ‘It’s got to stop’
Politics

Roberts on personal attacks against judges: ‘It’s got to stop’

Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday pushed back on personal attacks against judges, calling it “dangerous” and a “problem.”  “Judges around the country work very hard to get it right, and if they don’t, their opinions are subject to criticism,” Roberts said while responding to a question about handling criticism during an event at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.  “But personally…

The HillMar 17
Chief Justice John Roberts warns personal attacks on judges have 'got to stop' - NBC News
Politics

Chief Justice John Roberts warns personal attacks on judges have 'got to stop' - NBC News

NBC NewsMar 17
Donald Trump attacks supreme court over tariffs again in late-night social media post – US politics live
Politics

Donald Trump attacks supreme court over tariffs again in late-night social media post – US politics live

<p>President accuses court of having ‘unnecessarily RANSACKED’ the US and claims he has ‘absolute right’ to impose new tariffs</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&amp;utm_campaign=BN22326&amp;utm_content=signup&amp;utm_term=standfirst&amp;utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>Good morning and welcome to the US politics liveblog.</p><p>In a late-night social media post, <strong>Donald Trump has claimed he has the “absolute right” to impose new tariffs</strong> after the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/trump-supreme-court-tariffs-ruling">supreme court ruled</a> many of the import duties he imposed last year were illegal.</p><p>Our Supreme Court has made these Countries very happy but, as the Court pointed out, I have the absolu...

The Guardian US NewsMar 16
Judges say Trump’s attacks are fueling threats to their safety - Politico
Politics

Judges say Trump’s attacks are fueling threats to their safety - Politico

PoliticoMar 12
Read Next
FCC chair threatens broadcasters' licenses over negative coverage of the war in Iran - NPR
Politics

FCC chair threatens broadcasters' licenses over negative coverage of the war in Iran - NPR

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources