On May 7, 2025, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts delivered a rare public speech in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, marking the 125th anniversary of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In a fireside chat with U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo, Roberts underscored the importance of judicial independence in preserving the balance of power between government branches.
During his address, Roberts responded to recent calls for the impeachment of federal judges who have issued rulings against former President Trump’s policies. He firmly stated, “Impeachment is not how you register disagreement with decisions,” emphasizing that such actions would undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
Reflecting on his own journey from Buffalo to the Supreme Court, Roberts shared personal anecdotes and highlighted the significance of interpreting laws based on the intent of their framers, rather than through a political lens.
The event, attended by over 600 legal professionals, served as a reminder of the judiciary’s essential role in American democracy and sparked discussions about its independence in the current political climate.
For more insights from Chief Justice Roberts’ remarks, you can watch the following video:
