Memo Shows D.C. Judges Raised Compliance Fears About Trump at March Conference

A memorandum obtained by the news outlet The Federalist indicates that District of Columbia Chief Judge James Boasberg told Chief Justice John Roberts in March that several judges on the D.C. federal bench were concerned the Trump Administration might ignore adverse court rulings, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis. The conversation was part of a working breakfast during the March 2025 meeting of the Judicial Conference of the United States, which is chaired by Roberts and comprises roughly 30 senior federal judges. According to the memo, Roberts replied that he hoped such a situation would not arise and noted past respectful interactions with President Donald Trump. Legal commentators say the remarks could raise questions about impartiality because the administration is a litigant in numerous cases before the D.C. district court. Critics argue that discussing a party’s anticipated compliance with court orders outside formal proceedings risks violating judicial conduct rules that require judges to avoid even the appearance of bias.