President Trump criticized the conservative Federalist Society and its former leader, Leonard Leo, following a ruling against him by a judge appointed based on their recommendation, which invalidated portions of his extensive tariff policy.
In a detailed post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump stated that, as a newcomer to Washington, he had depended on the advice of the Federalist Society and Leo—whom he referred to as a “real sleazebag”—when selecting judicial nominees.
“It was recommended that I utilize the Federalist Society as a source for judicial recommendations. I complied, openly and willingly, but later came to the realization that they were controlled by a genuine ‘sleazebag’ named Leonard Leo, a negative individual who, in his own manner, likely despises America and clearly has his own distinct ambitions,” Trump expressed.
“I am extremely disheartened by The Federalist Society due to the poor guidance they provided regarding several Judicial Nominations. This is an issue that should not be overlooked! Nevertheless, I take great pride in many of our selections, although I am quite let down by others. They must always act in the best interest of the Country! In this instance, it is solely due to my effective implementation of tariffs that many trillions of dollars have already commenced,” he remarked.
Trump proceeded to criticize Leo, alleging that he boasts about his influence over judges on the federal bench, including those on the U.S. Supreme Court. “I sincerely hope that is not the case, and I do not believe it is,” Trump stated in his post.
In a response to the Washington Times, Leo refrained from directly addressing Trump’s allegations.
“I am extremely thankful for President Trump’s efforts in reforming the Federal Courts, and it was an honor to be part of that process. There remains additional work to accomplish, undoubtedly, but the Federal Judiciary has improved to an unprecedented level in contemporary history, and this will stand as President Trump’s most significant legacy,” he remarked.
On Wednesday, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of International Trade determined that Trump overstepped his authority when he enacted some of his highest tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico.
The panel concluded that the president could not invoke emergency powers to tackle the U.S. trade deficit, as the tariffs did not specifically target the fentanyl trade, which was the declared reason for the emergency declaration. Trump contended that the substantial tariffs were designed to compel Beijing to take more decisive action against fentanyl trafficking.
Among the judges who invalidated the tariffs was Judge Timothy Reif, a Trump appointee from his first term. The other two panel members, Judges Gary Katzmann and Jane Restani, were appointed by Presidents Obama and Reagan, respectively.
Reif becomes part of an expanding roster of judges appointed by Trump who have issued rulings unfavorable to the initiatives of his administration.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, also appointed by Trump, halted the administration’s efforts to invoke the Alien Enemies Act for the deportation of individuals believed to be affiliated with the Tren de Aragua criminal organization.
On Thursday afternoon, the complete 11-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a stay on that ruling, allowing the White House the opportunity to submit an appeal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump raised questions regarding the motivations of the judges on the trade court.
“How could they have potentially inflicted such harm on the United States of America? Is it simply a hatred of ‘TRUMP?’ What other explanation could there be?” he stated.
Trump also conveyed his belief that the Supreme Court would ultimately support him regarding the tariff matter, but warned that the repercussions for the United States could be disastrous if it does not.
“According to this ruling, our country would lose trillions of dollars, funds that are essential for making America great again,” he remarked. “This would represent the most severe financial judgment ever imposed on us as a sovereign nation.”
