Judges Targeted After Blocking Trump Orders, Threats Escalate

They show up in the dead of night — boxes of pizza delivered to the homes of federal judges. At first glance, it seems like a prank. But these aren't accidental orders or late-night snacks. According to U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas, it's a targeted intimidation campaign — and it's getting worse.

The Message Behind the Box

Judge Salas, who lost her only son, Daniel, in a 2020 assassination attempt, says the timing and details of these pizza deliveries are no coincidence. She told MSNBC that pizzas have been sent to judges across the U.S. — and even to their children's homes. In at least one case, the name listed on the delivery was "Daniel Anderl" — her son who was murdered in 2020.

"What does that say to these judges? It says, 'I know where you live, I know where your kids live, and do you want to end up like Judge Salas?'" she said, as reported by the Daily Mail.

A Pattern Emerges as Trump's Legal Battles Intensify

The deliveries come as multiple judges face public attacks from former President Donald Trump and his allies. Many of these judges have ruled against Trump's executive orders, including efforts to deport immigrants, cut federal healthcare funding, and block access to social programs.

Chief Judge James Boasberg, who halted Trump's deportation flights in March, has been labeled "disgraceful" by Trump on Truth Social. Trump supporters are even calling for Boasberg's impeachment, despite a sharp rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts, who said, "Impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," as reported by ABC News.

Other judges across Rhode Island, Maryland, and D.C. have been similarly targeted after issuing rulings that slow or block Trump's agenda. These decisions have led to an increase in threatening language, acts of intimidation, and what some legal scholars say is a creeping constitutional crisis.

Beyond Pizza: A Broader Breakdown

The threats aren't just culinary. In recent weeks, DOJ attorneys have refused to provide basic information in court, ignored rulings, and challenged judges directly during hearings. One lawyer admitted he had been fired after asking government officials for clarifying details that would help a judge. Others, like Judge Paula Xinis, have ordered expedited discovery and depositions to force compliance.

Former Justice Stephen Breyer and Judge John Jones III have both warned that what we're seeing is unlike anything in American judicial history. "The glue that holds the constitutional structure together is not just law — it's norms," said law professor James Sample, as reported by ABC News.

The Crisis in Plain Sight

With Republican leaders now pushing legislation to limit judges' power to block presidential orders, experts say the tension between the judicial and executive branches is reaching dangerous levels. "We are dangerously close to a constitutional crisis," said NYU law professor Richard Pildes, as reported by ABC News.

For Judge Salas, the pain is deeply personal. "These are attacks," she said, as reported by the Daily Mail. "We need our leaders - whether republicans, democrats, independents - to stand up for justice, to stand up to these attacks ... We are all Americans here."

While the situation has raised serious concerns, judges across the country have emphasized their commitment to upholding the law. As challenges continue, many are calling for unity and support to ensure the strength and independence of the judicial system.

References: Terrifying reason judges across the US are receiving unexpected pizza deliveries amid war with Trump | NJ Judge: My murdered son's name was on pizzas sent to intimidate other judges | 'Breathtaking in its audacity': Trump's conflict with judges has escalated to new heights | US judges block aspects of Trump agenda on voting, immigration and DEI in education | Is the Trump administration's conflict with judges a constitutional crisis? What to know