Former President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the former chair of the Federalist Society, labeling him a “sleazebag” in response to a recent ruling by the U.S. Trade Court. The decision, which has significant implications for trade policy, sparked intense backlash from Trump, who has been vocal in expressing his dissatisfaction with the judiciary’s handling of cases related to his administration’s trade agenda.
The former Federalist Society chair, known for his influence in conservative legal circles, found himself at the center of this dispute as Trump publicly questioned both the ruling and the motivations behind it. This exchange highlights the growing tensions between Trump and prominent conservative legal figures over the direction of trade and judicial decisions.
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Topline
President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Federalist Society and its former chair on Thursday, accusing the conservative legal group of providing him with “bad advice” on judicial appointments. He also blamed them for the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision—now temporarily halted—to block his expansive “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Key Facts
- In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump accused the U.S. Court of International Trade judges of “potentially” harming the country by attempting to block his “desperately needed Tariffs.”
- Notably, one of the judges on the three-judge panel that halted the tariffs, Timothy Reif, was appointed by Trump during his first term.
- Trump’s post suggested that early in his presidency, he was advised to rely on the Federalist Society for judicial recommendations, implicitly blaming the organization for Reif’s appointment.
- He then launched a personal attack on Leonard Leo, the group’s former chair, calling him a “real ‘sleazebag’… a bad person who, in his own way, probably hates America, and obviously has his own separate ambitions.”
- Trump also claimed Leo “openly brags how he controls Judges, and even Justices of the United States Supreme Court,” though he expressed hope that this was not true.
What Else Did Trump Say About The Federalist Society?
Trump acknowledged that Leonard Leo had left the Federalist Society to pursue his “own thing,” but expressed deep disappointment with the organization itself. He stated, “I am so disappointed in The Federalist Society because of the bad advice they gave me on numerous Judicial Nominations. This is something that cannot be forgotten!” The president also noted, “I am very proud of many of our picks, but very disappointed in others.”
What Did Trump Say About The Legal Battle Over His Tariffs?
On Thursday, a federal appellate court temporarily stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s order that declared the “Liberation Day” tariffs unlawful. This pause allows the tariffs to remain in effect until at least June 9, when both the Trump administration and plaintiffs must file court briefs on whether the stay should be extended.
In response, Trump called the trade court’s ruling “so wrong, and so political!” He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would “reverse this horrible, country-threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY.”
Trump also criticized suggestions that tariffs should require Congressional approval, arguing that such a process would leave “hundreds of politicians… trying to come to a conclusion” for weeks or months. He warned that this would “completely destroy Presidential Power.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the former Federalist Society chair mentioned in the title?
The title refers to Leonard Leo, a prominent conservative legal figure and former chair of the Federalist Society.
What triggered Trump’s criticism?
Trump’s criticism followed a ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that paused his “Liberation Day” tariffs, which he disagrees with.
Why did Trump use the term ‘sleazebag’?
Trump used the term to strongly condemn Leonard Leo, accusing him of having questionable motives and ambitions contrary to Trump’s agenda.
What are the “Liberation Day” tariffs?
These are sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump’s administration aimed at addressing unfair trade practices by other countries.
How significant is the Federalist Society in judicial nominations?
The Federalist Society is a key conservative legal organization that has historically influenced judicial appointments, especially in Republican administrations.
Does the title reflect an ongoing legal or political conflict?
Yes, the title highlights both a legal dispute over trade policy and political tensions between Trump and conservative legal elites.
Conclusion
The escalating conflict between former President Donald Trump and the Federalist Society underscores broader tensions within conservative legal circles over judicial appointments and trade policy. Trump’s sharp rebuke of Leonard Leo and the organization reflects his frustration with what he sees as misplaced loyalty and strategic missteps, particularly in light of the recent trade court ruling.
As the legal battle over the “Liberation Day” tariffs continues, this dispute highlights the complex interplay between politics, the judiciary, and executive authority in shaping U.S. trade and legal policy moving forward.