A senior federal judge in Massachusetts, who was nominated by former President Ronald Reagan, has resigned in protest against President Donald Trump’s alleged misuse of the justice system for partisan purposes. The judge, Mark L. Wolf, 78, claimed that the Trump administration’s actions posed a threat to the rule of law, prompting him to take a public stance. In a piece for The Atlantic, Wolf detailed how he had anticipated serving for the rest of his life but decided to step down due to Trump’s ‘assault on the rule of law,’ which he found ‘deeply disturbing.’
Wolf, who served on the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, criticized the Department of Justice’s prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and Democrat New York Attorney General Letitia James. He also took issue with Trump’s social media post, in which the president asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute Comey, James, and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Wolf emphasized that even if a prosecution results in an acquittal, it could have devastating consequences for the defendant.
Wolf’s resignation was not limited to his legal criticisms. He also accused Trump of making ‘unconstitutional or otherwise illegal’ executive orders and of calling for the impeachment of judges who ruled against him. He warned that these actions not only undermine the judiciary but also pose genuine threats to judicial independence. In his resignation statement, Wolf expressed his commitment to defending the rule of law and democracy, vowing to support litigation and collaborate with organizations dedicated to these ideals.
Despite his resignation, Wolf noted that he cannot be replaced by Trump’s nominee as former President Obama had appointed Judge Indira Talwani as his successor in 2013. He remains hopeful that his actions, alongside those of others, can contribute to a broader movement to protect the legal system and democratic principles. His resignation has sparked discussions about the independence of the judiciary, the role of judicial reform, and the importance of upholding democratic values in the face of political challenges.