Trump's Actions on Judiciary Criticized by UN Expert
Criticisms levied by a United Nations expert towards Trump's judicial restrictions
In Geneva, American UN expert Margaret Satterthwaite, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to tackle issues related to the independence of judges and lawyers, voiced concerns over US President Donald Trump's involvement in the US justice system. Lawyers have been leveled with public defamation, branded as adversaries and perceived threats. Furthermore, some law firms are reportedly denied access to government buildings, she stated. Judicial figures aren't spared either, being subjected to belittling remarks.
Satterthwaite factually declared, "These measures recklessly interfere with the independence of the legal profession, hinder lawyers' representation of their clients, and weaken public trust in the justice system. It seems these actions are retaliations against firms with associations to disliked lawyers and prosecutors."
The interference in the judicial system by Trump and other government officials, as per Satterthwaite, is a grave concern that could potentially jeopardize the integrity of democratic institutions.
The expert has reached out to the US government, urging a halt to the unjustified meddling. Interestingly, Trump has previously opted to ignore the UN Human Rights Council post taking office.
Insights
While the base article primarily focuses on Satterthwaite's criticism of Trump's actions, a deeper dive into related topics reveals additional concerns. For instance, President Trump has been known for:
- Issuing Executive Orders Against Law Firms: In 2025, Trump targeted firms like Perkins Coie LLP, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and WilmerHale via executive orders, based on claims of unethical conduct and sanctions like revoking security clearances and blocking access to federal buildings.
- Publicly Denouncing Judges: Trump has faced backlash for his social media outbursts, where he denounces judges and their rulings, which are seen as undermining the judiciary's independence.
- Pardon Power Misuse: Trump's use of pardons to release individuals convicted of serious crimes has been perceived as an abuse of power, threatening the balance of powers and justice system's legitimacy.
- Immigration Resistance: Trump's immigration policies have sparked resistance from federal judges, questioning the legality of certain actions.
These actions may have long-term implications on the judiciary's independence, the separation of powers, and public trust in democratic institutions.
The Commission, responsible for policy-and-legislation and managing issues related to the protection of workers, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the potential consequences of the interference in the judiciary system, as highlighted by UN expert Satterthwaite's concerns over Trump's actions. In the realm of politics and general news, these actions raise questions about the future of democratic institutions and the balance of powers, especially when considering Trump's history of issuing executive orders against law firms, publicly denouncing judges, misusing the pardon power, and facing resistance from federal judges due to his immigration policies.
