Press Releases

MEMBERS SAY: TRUMP MUST RESPECT THE SEPARATION OF POWERS THAT IS SO CRITICAL TO OUR DEMOCRACY

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Subcommittee on the Constitution Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN), Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Ranking Member, and former chair of the Subcommittee on the Constitution Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following joint statement after President Trump’s outrageous comments this morning, where he said of federal judges, “even a bad high school student” would understand that his reading of the law is proper:

“A bad high school student may have a basic understanding of the Constitution, but any President should know when his or her inappropriate conduct and comments can have dangerous consequences. An independent judiciary is fundamental to our constitutional system of checks and balances, created by the founders to protect all of our rights and liberties.  Once again, President Trump has made inflammatory statements that threaten the very legitimacy of our judicial branch.  We take strong exception to Mr. Trump’s outrageous direct and personal criticisms of Judge Robart and our judicial system.  His remarks are so dangerous, even some Senate Republicans have taken issue with them. Mr. Trump must come to his senses and respect the separation of powers that is so critical to our democracy.   Now is the time for all Members of Congress, regardless of party, to lead and stand up against Trump’s reckless and childish statements.”

Yesterday, Reps. Nadler, Conyers, Cohen; Democratic Members of the House Judiciary Committee; and more than 20 additional cosponsors, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives reaffirming support for an independent judiciary and opposing personal attacks on judges and the judicial system.

You can view the text of the resolution here.