Legal experts across the U.S. are sounding the alarm over what they see as a dangerous trend from former President Donald Trump and his White House team—an open and growing hostility toward the courts. They warn that this behaviour could bring the country closer to a full-blown constitutional crisis.
The issue came into sharp focus after the Trump administration refused to comply with a Supreme Court order that aimed to reverse the wrongful deportation of a man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was sent back to El Salvador and placed in one of the country’s most notorious prisons, even though he had a legal right to challenge his removal.
Several legal scholars have now stepped forward to criticise the administration’s actions, saying they not only ignored the rule of law but also attacked the credibility of the judiciary in ways that threaten the balance of power in the country.
Michael W. McConnell, the Director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School and a former federal judge, said the Trump administration is “sabotaging itself” by showing open disrespect for the courts. According to McConnell, the Supreme Court has been trying to avoid a direct confrontation with the White House, but the president’s repeated defiance is making that more difficult.
He explained that the Court has taken a careful approach to these legal battles. In some cases, it has supported the administration by reversing lower court rulings that exceeded their authority. But at the same time, the Court has also stood firm on basic legal protections, like ensuring that deported individuals have the right to challenge their cases before being removed from the country.
One example is the case involving Garcia. The Court didn’t demand that the administration return him immediately, but it did instruct officials to do what they could to facilitate his return and share progress updates with the court. Despite this, the administration failed to act. What followed were public insults directed at judges and, shockingly, conversations about possibly detaining American citizens along with immigrants in foreign prisons.
McConnell warned that these extreme responses will likely backfire. He reminded everyone that federal judges are appointed for life and cannot be pressured easily. He added that treating judges like political enemies not only harms the courts but also weakens the presidency itself.
Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig went even further in his criticism. He compared Trump’s behaviour to that of a mafia leader, saying the former president uses threats and pressure, which he called “extortion”, to get his way. Lessig argued that America needs to recognise the kind of leadership it’s dealing with.
“We need to recognize—and name—the form of government we are living in right now. Its closest analogue is the Mafia,” Lessig said in a strong statement. “President Trump is using extortion to achieve his objectives. Too many are yielding to his pressure because they think it’s the easier path. But for the country, this kind of leadership will have long-term damage.”
Lessig used the example of Trump threatening universities with penalties, without giving them a chance to defend themselves in court, as a form of illegal coercion. He also criticised the way Trump often declares a national emergency to justify actions like imposing tariffs, saying that this misuse of power goes beyond what the law actually allows.
According to Lessig, just because a president can invoke emergency powers doesn’t mean it is always legal or justified. He called for more resistance to such moves and urged Americans to stand up for the legal and constitutional processes that keep the system in check.
Ed Whelan, a conservative legal expert and senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Centre, also expressed concern. While he said he supports many of Trump’s policy goals, he criticised the administration for lacking a clear legal strategy. He said that treating the law as just another tool for political battles is a losing game.
According to Whelan, the Trump administration has developed an exaggerated view of the judiciary as an opponent, which only deepens the divide between the branches of government. He believes that this kind of thinking will eventually harm everyone, not just those in power.
What’s more troubling is the message being sent to ordinary citizens. When the White House disregards court orders and criticises judges, it fosters a sense of chaos and uncertainty. It suggests that laws can be disregarded if one has sufficient power, which contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.
In the case of Garcia, the administration’s refusal to follow through on the Supreme Court’s directive not only put his life at risk but also sent a dangerous signal to the rest of the world. It showed that even the highest court in the land could be ignored if the White House disagrees.
Legal experts agree that this pattern of behaviour is not just disrespectful—it’s risky. It threatens to weaken institutions that have held the country together for centuries. By turning legal processes into political games, the Trump White House may be pushing the United States toward a dangerous point of no return.
As the political climate grows more tense, these experts are calling on both lawmakers and citizens to defend the legal systems that protect everyone. They believe it’s time to restore respect for the courts and the Constitution—before it’s too late.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
