On Thursday evening, former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack against prominent conservative legal activist Leonard Leo. Trump, who once relied on Leo’s expertise as a leader in the Federalist Society during his presidency, described him as a "bad person" who "probably hates America." This unexpected criticism came just a day after a panel of judges, including one appointed by Trump himself, ruled that many of his tariffs were illegal, further complicating the former president’s relationship with some factions of the conservative legal community.
The recent court ruling, which was subsequently stayed by an appellate court, set Trump at odds with conservative legal experts. The panel consisted of three judges, two of whom were appointed by Republican presidents, and their decision was based on legal theories often espoused by right-leaning lawyers. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the judges, labeling their decision as "horrible" and "country-threatening." He insinuated that their ruling stemmed from personal animosity towards him, which indicated a growing tension between Trump and the conservative judicial establishment.
In his Truth Social post, Trump reflected on his early days in Washington, stating he was advised to consult the Federalist Society for recommendations on judicial appointments. “I did so, openly and freely,” Trump wrote, “but then realized that they were under the thumb of a real sleazebag named Leonard Leo.” This harsh rebuke signifies a dramatic shift in Trump's view of an organization that played a crucial role in shaping his judicial legacy.
In response to Trump's comments, Leonard Leo expressed gratitude for the former president's efforts in transforming the federal courts. In a statement to Politico, Leo remarked, “I’m very grateful for President Trump transforming the Federal Courts, and it was a privilege being involved.” He emphasized that while there is still work to be done, the Federal Judiciary is in a better state than ever in modern history, crediting Trump with this significant change as part of his enduring legacy.
Trump's critique of Leo and the Federalist Society is particularly noteworthy given their long-standing partnership. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump made a commitment to rely on the Federalist Society for selecting judicial nominees, stating, "We’re going to have great judges, conservative, all picked by the Federalist Society." Throughout his first term, Leo played a pivotal role in advising Trump on Supreme Court nominations, which significantly bolstered the court's conservative majority.
In the past, Trump spoke highly of Leo, acknowledging the substantial work he contributed to the creation of a shortlist for potential Supreme Court nominees. However, Trump's recent declaration of disappointment in the Federalist Society due to "bad advice" on judicial nominations indicates a shift in their relationship. Furthermore, Trump noted that Leo has since departed from the Federalist Society to pursue his own initiatives, potentially alluding to Leo's involvement with the Teneo Network, which aims to challenge liberal dominance across various sectors.
Trump's growing estrangement from both Leo and the Federalist Society is part of a broader pattern of conflict he has had with the judiciary, particularly regarding his policies on tariffs and immigration. As legal challenges continue to mount against his administration's agenda, the former president's confrontational stance is likely to resonate within conservative circles, raising questions about the future of his influence in American politics.
