Musk Seeks ‘Wave of Impeachments’ For Federal Judges
DOGE chairman Elon Musk is urging the Republican-led Congress to initiate a "wave of impeachments" targeting federal judges after a D.C. court ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate federal health datasets that had been removed.
"There needs to be an immediate wave of judicial impeachments, not just one," Musk posted on his X platform, responding to allegations of a conflict of interest involving U.S. District Judge John Bates, who was appointed by George W. Bush.
Bates' decision came in response to an executive order from President Trump that prohibited the government from promoting "gender ideology." The judge ruled in favor of Doctors for America (DFA), a progressive advocacy group for physicians that contended the removal of these datasets violated federal law.
In a separate development, Musk also advocated for the impeachment of another federal judge following a ruling that temporarily restricted his Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) ability to access Treasury Department data.
Trump has stated that he will comply with court rulings that impose limitations on his policies. However, on Wednesday morning, he questioned recent judicial decisions that have impeded aspects of his administration’s agenda.
"DOGE has found massive amounts of FRAUD, WASTE, INCOMPETENCE, AND ABUSE, but even knowing this, a highly political, activist Judge wants us to immediately make payment, anyway. In other words pay, even though you know the payment was fraudulently requested to be made. DOGE caught them – The Judge just doesn’t care. It doesn’t make sense!!!" the president posted on his Truth Social platform.
It is expected that the Trump administration will challenge the rulings in court. In instances like his directive to end birthright citizenship, Trump has actively sought federal court battles and eventual Supreme Court judgments to resolve disputes conclusively.
Meanwhile, a Republican lawmaker revealed this week that he has drafted articles of impeachment against a federal judge who prevented DOGE from accessing Treasury Department payment systems, according to Newsweek.
Arizona Representative Eli Crane wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer of Manhattan was "attempting to stop White House employees from accessing the very systems they oversee."
Engelmayer issued a preliminary injunction barring DOGE—a non-official government entity—from obtaining Treasury Department records containing sensitive financial information on millions of Americans. The ruling also mandates that DOGE destroy any such data collected since January 20, as reported by Newsweek.
In his decision, Engelmayer expressed concern that the abrupt policy shift could lead to data breaches or compromise Treasury systems through potential hacking. He further pointed out that ongoing legal proceedings at the state level regarding Treasury data access would likely conclude that DOGE’s request lacks sufficient legal standing.
Trump is also facing resistance from other parts of the federal government.
Federal Election Commission Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub has refused to step down despite receiving a letter from Trump last week notifying her of her termination.
Weintraub posted the letter on social media, arguing that the dismissal was not legally valid.
"Received a letter from POTUS today purporting to remove me as Commissioner & Chair of @FEC," Weintraub wrote on X. "There’s a legal way to replace FEC commissioners—this isn’t it. I’ve been lucky to serve the American people & stir up some good trouble along the way. That’s not changing anytime soon."
She shared an image of the letter in her post. The White House document, dated Jan. 31, stated: "You are hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately. Thank you for your service on the Commission."
Weintraub is one of three Democratic commissioners on the FEC, which also includes two Republicans and one vacant seat.