Reagan-Appointed Judge Resigns So He Can Attack Trump

A longtime federal judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan has resigned from the bench, saying he wants the freedom to publicly criticize President Donald Trump and what he describes as growing threats to judicial independence.

Wolf said he had expected to serve for life but concluded that stepping down was necessary so he could speak openly about concerns regarding the rule of law and the justice system.

In his essay, Wolf argued that the Trump administration has used legal institutions in a partisan manner by targeting political opponents while protecting allies. He wrote that remaining silent was no longer consistent with the principles that guided his more than 50 years of public service, including his time at the U. S.

Department of Justice following the Watergate scandal. Wolf also credited former Attorney General Edward Levi with shaping his commitment to impartial justice.

Wolf assumed senior status in 2013, and his former seat was filled in 2014 by Indira Talwani. He said he hopes to become a public voice for judges who feel constrained by judicial ethics rules from responding to political criticism.

The White House rejected Wolf’s claims

Separately, Joe Gruters said Republicans are entering the upcoming midterm elections with a fundraising advantage, arguing that conservative organizations currently hold substantially greater financial resources than their Democratic counterparts. He said pending court decisions on campaign coordination rules could further strengthen Republican fundraising and spending capabilities ahead of November’s elections.