More than 100 members of Wyoming’s legal community, including four retired state Supreme Court justices, have called on the state’s congressional delegation to denounce what they describe as growing attacks on the judiciary.
In an open letter delivered this week, the group urged Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, as well as Representative Harriet Hageman, to reject what they called “reckless disdain” for the courts. They expressed concern over increasingly hostile rhetoric toward judges and efforts to challenge judicial independence—trends they say undermine the rule of law.
The letter highlighted recent incidents where judges have been publicly criticized or faced calls for impeachment due to rulings that some political figures oppose. The signers pointed specifically to:
Former President Donald Trump’s remarks calling a judge a “Radical Left Lunatic” and advocating for judicial impeachment.
Billionaire Elon Musk’s social media posts labeling certain court decisions “evil” and an “attempted coup.”
Online threats, including calls for judges to face violence.
The signees emphasized that the judiciary does not have the same ability as the executive or legislative branches to defend itself in the public sphere. They called on Wyoming’s federal representatives to reaffirm the importance of an independent judiciary and reject violence, intimidation, or political retribution against judges.
“As our elected federal representatives—and as required by your own oaths—we thus urge you to publicly condemn these threats, affirm judicial independence, and remind Americans that appeals—not violence, intimidation, or invitations to lawlessness—are the constitutional remedy for undesired court decisions,” the letter states.
The letter’s signers, which include former Wyoming Governor Mike Sullivan, several retired state justices, and former attorneys general, argue that attacks on the courts are not just personal criticisms of individual judges but part of a broader challenge to the legal system.
“We understand there is an appetite among sizeable members of the electorate for radical change at any cost,” the letter states. “But the growing reckless disdain for the independence and security of our judiciary must be resisted by anyone sworn to uphold our Constitution.”
Retired Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kite stressed the historical significance of judicial independence in American governance.
“The rule of law isn’t what you want it to be,” Kite said. “It is what is established in the laws, and the laws are interpreted by the courts, and that’s been the case for 250 years.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Wyoming’s congressional delegation had not responded directly to the letter. However, their past statements suggest a range of views on the issue of judicial authority.
Rep. Harriet Hageman has criticized certain court rulings as political and suggested that federal agencies ignore judicial decisions in some cases. In a February tele-town hall, she referred to some judges as “rogue” and suggested they had overstepped their authority.
Sen. John Barrasso recently criticized what he called “activist district court judges,” arguing that some judges were using their positions to obstruct political agendas.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who has supported Trump’s efforts to downsize the federal government, recently received his endorsement for re-election.
With input from WyoFile and Cowboy State Daily.
