Memphis Standard

Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee addressed the Senate to criticize the actions of certain judges whom she labeled as activist judges obstructing President Trump's agenda through the courts. According to Blackburn, "In the last two months alone, judges have issued more nationwide injunctions against the Trump administration than they did during President Biden’s entire term."

Blackburn and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa have recently introduced the Judicial Relief Clarification Act. The bill aims to halt what they describe as unconstitutional judicial overreach. In her remarks, Blackburn stated, "Activist Judges Are Holding Up President Trump’s Agenda for Illegitimate Reasons" and added, "In November, the American people gave President Trump a powerful mandate to secure the border, lower inflation, rein in spending, and usher in a new Golden Age for America."

The Senator contends that recent court actions have hindered the Trump administration's efforts. "In the last two months alone, judges issued more injunctions—15 of them—against President Trump than during the entire Biden administration," Blackburn noted. She expressed concern that judges are impeding policies that form part of the Trump's America First agenda.

Blackburn emphasized the need for government accountability to the public and criticized an order by a San Francisco district judge requiring the administration to rehire terminated bureaucrats and a call to spend taxpayer savings. She stated, "Securing our nation is a core function of the presidency. Yet activist judges are even trying to stop President Trump from doing that."

The Senator also challenged the notion that 677 district judges should have "veto power over the President," suggesting that such a situation undermines the Constitution. Blackburn highlighted the importance of respecting the President’s authority over the executive branch, declaring, “The Separation of Powers works both ways."

To address these concerns, Blackburn and her Republican colleagues propose the Judicial Relief Clarification Act. The legislation, spearheaded by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley, is designed to end nationwide injunctions. It would also make temporary restraining orders against federal or state governments immediately appealable, ensuring courts focus on the direct cases before them. Blackburn argues, "A district judge in San Francisco or anywhere else should not be deciding national policy."

The proposed bill aims to restore the federal courts to their intended purpose: administering justice within the boundaries of law, without extending into national policy decisions. Blackburn echoed the sentiment that the provisions will aid in realigning the courts to their fundamental role.