Federal Judges Explore Armed Security Force Amid Rising Threats

Federal judges are considering taking control of their own armed security personnel amid growing concerns that the current protection by the U.S. Marshals Service, which reports to the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump loyalist, may be compromised due to the Trump administration's hostility toward judges who rule against its policies. This idea emerged during a March meeting of about 50 federal judges who expressed fears that Trump could potentially instruct the Marshals Service to withdraw protection from certain judges in retaliation. The proposed plan would shift control of security from the executive branch to the judiciary, specifically under Chief Justice John Roberts, to ensure judicial independence and safety. Senate Democrats have introduced legislation to transfer control of the Marshals Service to the judiciary, citing the constitutional crisis risk posed by the current dual accountability. The judiciary has also requested increased security funding to address the rising threats against judges and their families, which have nearly tripled in recent years. This move reflects escalating tensions and safety concerns following Trump's increasingly inflammatory rhetoric against the judiciary.