Trump Allies Sue John Roberts To Give White House Control Of Court System
9/3/2025 00:35am
A legal group founded by White House aide Stephen Miller, America First Legal (AFL), has sued Chief Justice John Roberts, arguing that the Judicial Conference of the U.S. and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts are executive branch agencies and should be overseen by the President. This lawsuit is part of a broader strategy to seize control of the federal court system and keep it out of politics, as claimed by the group.
1. **Background of the Lawsuit**: The lawsuit was filed with the intention to bring the Judicial Conference and the Administrative Office under the executive branch. This move is supported by the group's belief that it "preserves the separation of powers but also keeps the courts out of politics." The group has also claimed that the federal court system should be more closely aligned with the executive branch, as it deems necessary to maintain a stronger presidential control over judicial affairs.
2. **Legal Basis of the Claim**: AFL has based its claim on the fact that the Judicial Conference and the Administrative Office are not part of Congress or independent federal regulatory agencies, which are excluded from the purview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). By framing these bodies as executive branch agencies, AFL is attempting to assert that they should be subject to presidential oversight and control.
3. **Implications of the Suit**: If successful, this lawsuit could significantly alter the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. It could also set a precedent for future attempts to centralize control of the federal court system under the executive branch. However, it is important to note that such a move would likely face significant legal challenges and opposition from other branches of government and legal experts.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by AFL represents a significant attempt by Trump allies to expand executive control over the federal court system. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the U.S. government and the independence of the judiciary.