Florida Gov. DeSantis wants Congress to eliminate federal courts’ jurisdiction: “Resistance judges”
Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has presented a daring idea that might change the role of the legal system in American politics as the political terrain gets heated. DeSantis has proposed Congress should look at eliminating federal courts’ jurisdiction over some matters in reaction to the legal obstacles President Donald Trump’s government faces. As Trump’s policy programs continue to run up challenges in the court system, especially from judges seen as part of a “resistance,” this concept becomes fundamental component of his agenda.
DeSantis expressed his ideas in a post on the social media platform X, highlighting Congress’s right to restrict the range of federal court jurisdiction. “Congress has the authority to strip jurisdiction of the federal courts to decide these cases in the first place,” DeSantis wrote, highlighting what he sees as an anticipated obstruction of Trump’s agenda by some federal judges.
The governor’s post reflected a strategic approach to legislative maneuvers, suggesting, “The sabotaging of President Trump’s agenda by ‘resistance’ judges was predictable — why no jurisdiction-stripping bills tee’d up at the onset of this Congress?”
Congress has the authority to strip jurisdiction of the federal courts to decide these cases in the first place.
The sabotaging of President Trump’s agenda by “resistance” judges was predictable — why no jurisdiction-stripping bills tee’d up at the onset of this Congress? https://t.co/OscAkpXgeo
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) March 19, 2025
Given the usually needed 60 Senate votes to pass most significant legislation, the debate on this proposal attracted momentum when a user asked whether such a legislative action was feasible. DeSantis spoke pragmatically, suggesting that such steps might be tied to must-pass legislation to guarantee their passage.
“How would such a bill pass? Need 60 in the senate,” X user @Highline7 asked DeSantis, to which the Governor responded “Attach it to a “must pass” bill…”
This isn’t the first time high-profile figures have voiced frustrations over judicial interventions. Texas Representative Chip Roy also expressed discontent in a post reflecting DeSantis’s attitude. Roy urged Congress to act bravely introducing resolutions declaring an invasion and slashing what he called “radical courts.” This fits a rising chorus inside the Republican Party looking for more forceful reactions to court rulings seen as opposing their agenda.
Lots of noise about impeachment. We must study every ruling & act accordingly w/ everything on the table (noting: 14 Dem votes required in Senate.). But, more fertile ground… 1) House can pass a resolution stating there is/was an invasion, 2) we can defund radical courts.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) March 18, 2025
Further fueling the debate, President Trump personally made news on Truth Social with an explosive post. Targeting Judge James E. Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Trump labeled him a “Radical Left Lunatic” and requested his impeachment.
Trump’s post expressed his irritation with what he said to be prejudiced judges preventing his government’s attempts to carry out its policies, especially those meant to improve national security and control immigration.
The recommendation of Governor DeSantis and the following conversation capture a turning point in American politics when the interaction among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches is getting more divisive. Setting the stage for a potentially explosive Congress debate over the separation of powers and the limits of judicial oversight, the proposal to strip federal courts of jurisdiction marks a radical change in strategy as Republican leaders search for ways to advance their legislative agenda without judicial intervention.
