‘Dangerous Language’: Trump Gets a Lot of Twitter Backlash for ‘So-Called Judge’ Remark
President Trump‘s tweet responding to Judge James Robart temporarily blocking his travel ban, in which the president called him a “so-called judge,” has gotten quite a lot of criticism on Twitter today.
Democrats in Congress were particularly concerned about Trump’s tweet:
POTUS's attack on Judge Robart shows a disdain for an ind. judiciary that doesn't bend to his wishes & lack of respect for the Constitution.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 4, 2017
Trump has to learn the very important truth stated by Washington AG Bob Ferguson: "No one is above the law, not even the president." https://t.co/sbcVb2GmGw
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 4, 2017
Refugees go through an intense multi-year vetting process. I'm open to improvement but a ban that imposes a religious test is not the answer https://t.co/ldFdS155AK
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 4, 2017
Many judges now restraining President Trump's immigration orders. Mr. President — don't attack judges, fix your bad policy!
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) February 4, 2017
No "so-called." Judge Robart is a GWB appointee who was confirmed 99-0. We are watching closely your contempt for our Judicial Branch. https://t.co/k1La1mPlHj
— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) February 4, 2017
This "so-called" judge was nominated by a "so-called" President & was confirmed by the "so-called" Senate. Read the "so-called" Constitution https://t.co/xQotyL1kHM
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 4, 2017
America has three branches of govt for a reason. Your attack on Judge Robart, a Bush appointee, shows us why. No president is above the law. https://t.co/NyJytXaQpM
— Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 4, 2017
There hasn’t been much reaction to Trump’s tweet from congressional Republicans. However, one House GOPer did offer this advice to the president:
My advice to #POTUS – attack the decision (it's weak) not the judge. Liberals are imploding, don't make personal attacks the story.
— Raúl R. Labrador (@Raul_Labrador) February 4, 2017
And the rest of Twitter sounded off too, from Evan McMullin to Ice T. No, seriously:
Disagreeing with a court decision is fine, but undermining the legitimacy of a judge and the Judiciary Branch is a threat to the Republic. https://t.co/nG23afsGxf
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) February 4, 2017
"So called Judge… " That's what everybody who's gone to Jail has called em… lol This shit is Crazy.
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 4, 2017
Imagine if a federal judge called Trump the "so-called president"? pic.twitter.com/IWCJYZC0oZ
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) February 4, 2017
Trump’s “so-called judge” line is considerably worse than attacking decisions (everyone, always) or working the refs (Obama). Inappropriate.
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) February 4, 2017
It is neither appropriate nor prudent for @POTUS to denigrate any judge as "so-called" but especially Artile III judges for a number of
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) February 4, 2017
reasons. 1. Federal judges are part of a separate butbequal branch of the federa government and not in the political fray that consumes
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) February 4, 2017
Article I and Article II officials not do we want them drawn into that fray. 2. @POTUS is battling "election deniers" and he does not want
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) February 4, 2017
To encourage use of "so called @POTUS @realDonaldTrump." 3. The "so called" label will make confirmation of @POTUS nominees more difficult
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) February 4, 2017
A president elected with a minority of popular votes is on very thin ice labeling a judge confirmed 99-0 by the Senate "so-called."
— John Scalzi (@scalzi) February 4, 2017
It would be good strategy for Judge Gorsuch to condemn Trump's "so-called judge" remark. If he doesn't, that in itself would be troubling.
— Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) February 4, 2017
If Trump can call Robart a "so-called" judge, can we call him — with infinitely better justification — a "so-called" president?
— Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 4, 2017
GOP would've had an absolute nuclear meltdown if Obama had ever tweeted about a judge and referred to him as "so-called".
— Ben (@BenHowe) February 4, 2017
"Outrageous," "betrayal" and now "so-called judge". This is dangerous language. Judicial independence is the bedrock of the US Constitution. https://t.co/bEnH4CZ58L
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 4, 2017
@realDonaldTrump "so-called"? He's a real judge, you orange turd. Unlike you, these are experienced pros, not reality TV ratings chasers.
— Mike P Williams (@Mike_P_Williams) February 4, 2017
What the hell is happening? "So-called judge"? This is horrifying and members of his inner circle need to get him under control. https://t.co/uAoZkiTNbW
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) February 4, 2017
Hard to believe this is from the President of the United States of America. "so-called judge". What is happening? https://t.co/aINHMHupoy
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) February 4, 2017
The opinion of this so-called President, does not reflect or respect co-equal judicial branch of government in our country, is ridiculous! https://t.co/tIFYo4Pobs
— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) February 4, 2017
"So-called judge"? As the former top courtroom lawyer for the federal govt,I've never seen a president attack a sitting judge this way. https://t.co/q7lTODrtyx
— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) February 4, 2017
I cannot recall either president ever personally attacking a judge as if it were a rap beef. Because it's widely considered inappropriate.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 4, 2017
[image via Shutterstock]
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