Attacks federal judge as "so-called judge" after travel ban ruling

After U.S. District Judge James Robart blocked Trump's Muslim travel ban executive order, Trump tweeted: "The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" This unprecedented attack on a sitting federal judge by a sitting president undermined judicial independence and the separation of powers. Judge Robart, a George W. Bush appointee with a reputation for fairness, had issued a nationwide temporary restraining order halting the travel ban. Legal scholars condemned Trump's attack as dangerous to the rule of law. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the judiciary is "independent" and judges "don't deserve to be criticized." This was an early sign of Trump's willingness to delegitimize any institution that constrained his power.

"The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" — February 4, 2017 tweet attacking Judge Robart after travel ban was blocked