[VIDEO] Congress May Defund Courts – Is Joe Biden at Risk?

Republican House Speaker Sparks National Debate Over Congressional Power and the Federal Judiciary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson reignited a constitutional firestorm this week by declaring that Congress holds the power to eliminate or defund entire federal district courts. His remarks come in response to what he and many conservatives view as politically motivated decisions by judges blocking former President Donald Trump’s policy initiatives.

Johnson: “Congress Created the Courts, and We Can Rein Them In”

WATCH: Mike Johnson issues strong warning about defunding federal courts (ABC News)

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson emphasized that under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has sweeping authority over the structure and funding of the federal judiciary. “We created the district courts, and we can eliminate them if necessary. We certainly control their budgets,” he said.

This bold declaration comes ahead of a scheduled Judiciary Committee hearing aimed at exposing what Republicans call “judicial abuse”—particularly, nationwide injunctions issued by individual district judges to block federal actions.

On Tuesday: Johnson Ups the Ante

Congress could defund courts – Mike Johnson at press briefing — Speaker Mike Johnson speaks on Congress’s authority over federal courts at Capitol Hill.

In a follow-up appearance, Speaker Johnson doubled down:

“We do have authority over the federal courts, as you know. We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power over funding and all these other things. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and Congress is going to act. So stay tuned for that.”

According to an ABC News report, the remarks were seen by some as an “open threat” against district courts, further inflaming tensions between the legislative and judicial branches.

Conservatives Call for Action on Judicial Overreach

GOP lawmakers have increasingly criticized what they describe as a pattern of unelected judges obstructing the will of the people. Johnson referenced multiple court decisions that have halted Trump-era immigration policies and national security actions.

“It’s no longer isolated,” Johnson warned. “This is systemic judicial activism that threatens our Republic.”

In support of this position, some House Republicans have introduced resolutions to impeach specific judges, citing alleged misconduct and partisanship.

Democrats Push Back: “An Attack on Judicial Independence”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed Johnson’s comments as “dangerous and authoritarian,” accusing Republicans of attempting to intimidate the judiciary.

“The courts are a co-equal branch of government,” Schumer said. “Threatening to defund them is reckless and undermines the rule of law.”

What the Constitution Really Says

Legal scholars have long debated the extent of Congressional authority over the judiciary. While Article III allows Congress to establish and fund courts below the Supreme Court, many warn that abolishing courts for political reasons could trigger a constitutional crisis.

Still, Johnson’s remarks have sparked renewed interest in historical precedent. In the past, Congress has reorganized and eliminated lower courts during judicial reforms—though rarely with such political overtones.

Judiciary Committee Hearing Planned

Next week, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a high-profile hearing titled “Restoring Balance: Stopping Judicial Tyranny.” Witnesses are expected to include constitutional law experts, former judges, and Trump-era officials who faced court injunctions.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who chairs the committee, said: “We’re putting the courts on notice. They don’t get to run the country.”

Media and Public Reactions Mixed

Commentators have praised Johnson for taking a stand, arguing that federal judges have become “partisan activists in robes.” On X (formerly Twitter), several influencers echoed the call for court reform.

WATCH: Viral reaction on X supporting Speaker Johnson’s call for court reform:

THIS IS THE WAY

“Speaker Mike Johnson issuing an open threat now saying that Congress has authority to stop providing funding to federal courts.”

“We do have authority over the federal courts. We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power funding over the courts and… pic.twitter.com/v31AvDAdcL
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) March 25, 2025

Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets accused Johnson of pushing authoritarian rhetoric, with headlines warning of an “assault on judicial independence.”

Final Thoughts

Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments are not just rhetoric—they mark a growing shift in how Republicans view the judiciary’s role. Whether this leads to actual legislative action remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the battle over America’s courts is heating up, and Congress may soon test the limits of its power.