On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Fox News reported that Judge James C. Ho, a federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump, resigned from the Federal Judges Association (FJA). His departure comes in response to the FJA’s recent statement condemning threats against judges, which he criticized as selective and politically motivated.
During a speaking engagement at the University of Michigan Law School, Judge Ho expressed his discontent with the FJA’s statement issued on March 5. This statement highlighted the need for judges to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. However, Ho pointed out that the association had remained silent for years while conservative judges faced scrutiny and attacks.
Ho, who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, stated that he was taken aback by the FJA’s statement, prompting him to notify the organization of his resignation the following morning. He conducted his own research and inquired whether the FJA had issued similar statements during times when conservative justices, such as Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, faced criticism. He noted that even Justice Brett Kavanaugh dealt with a serious assassination attempt, yet the association did not respond with statements condemning those threats.
In his remarks, Ho emphasized that genuine support for judicial independence should not be contingent upon the political views of the judges involved. He argued that the FJA’s actions undermine the principle of judicial independence by appearing selective in their outrage. “You can’t say that you’re in favor of judicial independence only when it comes to decisions that you like,” he stated, adding that such a stance risks politicizing the judiciary.
The FJA’s statement acknowledged the rising threats, including violence and intimidation, facing federal judges. J. Michelle Childs, the president of the FJA and a Biden appointee, described these threats as challenging the independence of the judiciary. The association’s public statement emphasized the crucial role federal judges play in upholding democracy and the rule of law, and condemned the irresponsible rhetoric that undermines public confidence in the judicial system.
Childs’ email to FJA members noted that the organization strives to ensure accurate information is disseminated about the judiciary’s role as defined by the U.S. Constitution. The statement further called for the protection of judges to maintain the integrity of the legal system and public trust in an impartial judiciary.
Despite the FJA’s efforts to address the issue, Judge Ho’s resignation highlights a significant divide within the judiciary regarding perceived bias and politicization. His departure from the organization may signal broader concerns among conservative judges about the FJA’s stance and actions in the current political climate.
Fox News Digital reached out to the FJA for comments regarding Ho’s resignation but did not receive an immediate response. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within the judiciary, particularly as political pressures evolve and the independence of the judicial system faces scrutiny from various factions.
Source: Fox News
