As legal disputes mount between the courts and President Donald Trump’s administration, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is stepping forward to assert Congress’ power over the judiciary. Johnson said lawmakers may soon take serious steps in response to what many Republicans see as coordinated efforts to stall Trump’s immigration policies.
“We do have authority over the federal courts, as you know,” Johnson said. “We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power, funding over the courts and all these other things.”
The comment comes as some in the administration urge Johnson to take a firmer stand. They say courts are being used to block deportation efforts that should fall under the president’s Article II responsibilities. The Alien Enemies Act has been cited by officials as support for the executive branch’s authority in immigration enforcement.
Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution says that judges hold their offices during good behavior.
Abusing judicial authority for political gain should result in their impeachment. pic.twitter.com/xQ1o7L9m9A
— Western Decline (@WesternDecline_) March 26, 2025
Though Republicans like Elon Musk have floated the idea of impeaching judges who interfere with Trump’s policies, Johnson has not endorsed that route. His public stance so far has been focused on the financial tools Congress can use to pressure courts.
The suggestion to eliminate or redraw federal court districts, or restrict funding to certain jurisdictions, is gaining interest among GOP lawmakers. Some believe those measures could send a strong message without having to pursue impeachment, which would require a higher political cost.
There is growing concern among Republicans that judges are using their positions to carry out political agendas. The administration has accused certain courts of acting less like impartial bodies and more like partisan activists using lawfare to delay policy execution.
Johnson’s remarks are being seen as a signal that the House is preparing to act against what it sees as a breakdown in the separation of powers. While he hasn’t revealed specifics, his statement confirms that GOP leadership is weighing structural responses to judicial resistance.
Sources close to the administration say discussions are ongoing about how to respond if legal rulings continue to block executive immigration actions.
