Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Judge Boasberg cleared of misconduct complaint
A judge named James Boasberg was accused of misconduct by the US Justice Department.
They said he made inappropriate comments about President Trump during a private meeting.
The judge who looked into the complaint, Jeffrey Sutton, said even if Boasberg made those comments, they didn't break any rules.
So, the complaint was dismissed.
Boasberg had earlier opposed the Trump administration's efforts to deport some Venezuelans to El Salvador.
He is a well-educated judge who has served in various important roles, including on a special court that deals with intelligence and terrorism cases.
A federal appeals court judge dismissed a misconduct complaint against Chief US District Judge James Boasberg.
The complaint was filed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging Boasberg made inappropriate remarks about Trump.
Boasberg had opposed the Trump administration's efforts to deport Venezuelans to El Salvador.
The appeals court found that even if the remarks were made, they did not violate judicial ethics rules.
Boasberg is a well-educated judge with a distinguished career, including service on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
- Who
- Chief US District Judge James Boasberg
- What
- A judicial misconduct complaint filed by the US Justice Department was dismissed
- When
- The complaint was filed in July, and dismissed on December 19
- Where
- Washington, DC
- Why
- The DOJ claimed Boasberg made inappropriate remarks about Trump during a meeting of the judiciary’s policymaking body, but the appeals court found no violation of judicial ethics
- Judge's Name
- James Boasberg
- Age
- 62
- Position
- Chief US District Judge
- Complaint Filed By
- US Attorney General Pam Bondi
- Complaint Dismissed By
- Chief US Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton
- Date of Dismissal
- December 19
- Alleged Misconduct
- Inappropriate remarks about Trump
- Judicial Ethics Violation
- None found