As tensions escalate between the White House and the federal judiciary, litigators at the Justice Department are increasingly seeking to have judges removed from cases where they have ruled against the administration.
On Friday, the Justice Department filed a motion to disqualify U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell from overseeing a lawsuit brought by major law firm Perkins Coie. The suit challenges an executive order that lawyers said was designed to destroy the firm in retaliation for previous work on behalf of President Donald Trump’s political enemies.
The Allegations Against Judge Howell
Justice Department attorneys claim that Howell has shown bias against the president in previous rulings and statements. They argue that her impartiality is in question, especially in cases related to the administration’s agenda.
Earlier this week, a separate Justice Department attorney called for Chief Judge James Boasberg to be removed from a case involving alleged Venezuelan gang members. The appeals court has not yet acted on this request.
Unusual Moves by the Justice Department
Seeking the disqualification of a judge is a rare step, particularly when it comes from the Justice Department. Such actions are usually reserved for clear conflicts of interest or misconduct by a judge.
While there have been public calls for judges’ removal in the past, actual motions for disqualification are uncommon. In a similar case involving Judge Aileen Cannon, pressure mounted for her disqualification, but prosecutors did not make that request.
President Trump’s Legal Battles
President Trump has a history of attempting to remove judges from cases. His lawyers have filed motions in various criminal and civil cases, but those requests have been denied.
Both Judge Howell and Judge Boasberg previously served as chief judges in Washington during investigations related to Trump. The current motion argues that their past rulings show bias against the administration.
Current Status of the Perkins Coie Case
Despite the efforts to disqualify Judge Howell, the case against Perkins Coie continues. The legal battle over the executive order’s constitutionality is set to be decided next month.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing legal dispute.
