The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House in Washington, D.C.
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A federal judge has dismissed the Justice Department’s attempt to remove her from a legal challenge against a notable executive order by President Trump. Judge Beryl Howell, appointed during the Obama presidency, accused the department of trying to undermine the judiciary’s credibility in a broader campaign.
The decision relates to a case involving Trump’s directive against the law firm Perkins Coie. Earlier, Judge Howell had temporarily blocked the enforcement of this order, citing potential constitutional breaches. The Justice Department’s motion to have Howell disqualified cited alleged “animus” towards Trump.
“When the U.S. Department of Justice engages in this rhetorical strategy of ad hominem attack, the stakes become much larger than only the reputation of the targeted federal judge,” Howell wrote in her order Thursday.
The department also aimed to disqualify Judge James Boasberg from a separate case regarding Trump’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. These moves are seen amidst growing threats faced by judges ruling unfavorably against the Trump administration.
Trump voiced his frustrations on social media, claiming challenges in securing fair rulings in D.C. courts, accusing judges there of bias.
“Their own version of the facts”
In her ruling, Howell emphasized that judicial decisions don’t exist in isolation and must ensure fairness. “That fundamental promise, however, does not entitle any party — not even those with the power and prestige of the president of the United States or a federal agency — to demand adherence to their own version of the facts and preferred legal outcome,” she said.
She criticized the Justice Department’s claim of “improper encroachments” on Trump’s executive power as lacking legal basis. Howell clarified the courts’ role in determining the legality of executive actions, highlighting her impartiality by referencing another ruling in favor of the government concerning the U.S. Institute of Peace.
