Judiciary Under Trump: Turley Says System Is Self-Correcting

Jonathan Turley Assesses Judicial Landscape Under President Trump

On April 9, 2025, Fox News contributor and legal scholar Jonathan Turley appeared on 'The Ingraham Angle' to discuss the state of the judiciary in America under President Donald J. Trump. Turley, a respected voice in legal analysis, offered insights into how the judicial system is navigating its role during this administration. His commentary focused on the balance of power and the importance of judges remembering their appointed roles rather than acting with unchecked authority.

Turley's discussion emphasized a judiciary that he believes is in the process of correcting itself. He highlighted the need for judicial restraint, a principle that resonates with those who value the separation of powers as outlined in the Constitution. His perspective aligns with a commitment to ensuring that the courts serve as impartial arbiters rather than overreaching entities.

Judges Are 'Appointed, Not Anointed'

One of the central themes of Turley's commentary, starting around the 2:30 mark of the video, was his assertion that judges must remember they are 'appointed, not anointed.' This phrase encapsulates his view that some members of the judiciary have overstepped their bounds in recent years, acting as if their authority is absolute rather than derived from their appointment. Turley stressed that this mindset is detrimental to the integrity of the legal system and that a return to humility and adherence to constitutional limits is necessary.

Under President Trump's leadership, Turley noted that there has been a push to appoint judges who respect these boundaries. This approach, he argued, is helping to restore balance to a system that has at times appeared to veer off course. The emphasis on originalist and textualist interpretations of the law, as favored by many of Trump's judicial nominees, is seen as a step toward reinforcing the judiciary's proper role.

Public Trust and Judicial Accountability

Turley also addressed the issue of public trust in the judiciary, which he discussed around the 5:15 point in the segment. He pointed out that when judges act beyond their constitutional mandates, it erodes confidence in the courts as fair and neutral institutions. For Americans who hold dear the principles of law and order, this erosion is a significant concern. Turley's analysis suggests that the current administration's focus on appointing judges who prioritize the rule of law over personal or political agendas is a critical step in rebuilding that trust.

He further elaborated that accountability within the judiciary is essential. Judges must be held to the same standards of scrutiny as other branches of government, ensuring that their decisions reflect legal precedent and statutory intent rather than personal bias. This perspective underscores a broader commitment to maintaining a government that operates within its defined limits, a value deeply cherished by those who support constitutional governance.

Impact of Trump's Judicial Appointments

Toward the latter part of the interview, near the 8:00 mark, Turley touched on the tangible impact of President Trump's judicial appointments. With a significant number of federal judges and Supreme Court justices appointed during his terms, the administration has reshaped the judicial landscape in a way that prioritizes fidelity to the Constitution. Turley views this as a positive development, one that counters previous trends where judicial activism sometimes overshadowed legislative and executive authority.

These appointments, according to Turley, are not just about filling seats but about instilling a philosophy of restraint and respect for the original intent of the law. This approach is seen as a safeguard against the overreach that Turley and many others have criticized in past judicial rulings. For supporters of President Trump, this represents a fulfillment of promises to protect the integrity of American institutions.

A Path Forward for the Judiciary

In concluding his remarks on 'The Ingraham Angle,' Turley expressed optimism that the judiciary is on a path of self-correction under the current administration. He believes that with continued emphasis on appointing judges who understand their role as interpreters rather than creators of law, the system can regain its proper balance. This outlook offers reassurance to those who have long sought a judiciary that upholds the principles upon which the nation was founded.

Turley's analysis serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preserving the separation of powers. As President Trump continues to influence the direction of the federal courts, the hope is that the judiciary will remain a bastion of fairness and constitutional fidelity, ensuring justice for all Americans who value the rule of law.