House Republicans Move Toward Impeachment of Judge James Boasberg
House Republicans are preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg following disclosures that he, along with Judge Beryl Howell,
authorized a broad series of sealed subpoenas linked to former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations. Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX) confirmed Thursday that he is drafting articles of impeachment, while Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) expressed support for taking formal action.
The controversy centers on an operation internally called “Arctic Frost,” which involved 197 secret subpoenas affecting over 430 Republican lawmakers, donors, and allied organizations. According to The National Pulse, investigators sought information from telecommunications providers,
political consulting firms, and financial institutions connected to committees supporting former President Donald Trump. Each subpoena carried strict nondisclosure orders signed by Boasberg and Howell, preventing companies from notifying individuals whose data was being collected.
Republican critics have condemned the effort as politically motivated and overreaching. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) labeled it a “fishing expedition,” while Gill accused Boasberg of abusing judicial authority to target political opponents, claiming such actions render him unfit for office.
Boasberg, appointed during the Obama administration, has long faced scrutiny from conservatives for decisions perceived as opposing Trump-era policies.
Separately, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a resolution citing Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution, asserting that federal judges serve “during good behavior” and alleging Boasberg overstepped his authority.
Biggs points to Boasberg’s rulings that blocked the Trump administration from deporting certain Venezuelan gang members, arguing that these decisions infringed on presidential authority over immigration and national security. The resolution frames Boasberg’s record as a pattern of judicial overreach that undermines the executive branch.
Conclusion
House Republicans are intensifying their criticism of Judge Boasberg, portraying both the sealed subpoenas and his past rulings as evidence of judicial overreach.
Whether the impeachment effort will gain traction remains uncertain, but the controversy highlights ongoing tensions between congressional Republicans and the federal judiciary.
The debate raises broader questions about judicial independence, executive authority, and political accountability in the U.S. legal system.