Trump Press Secretary Faces Backlash Over Comments on Federal Firings and Judicial Authority

Karoline Leavitt defends mass federal employee terminations while accusing judges of undermining executive powers, drawing sharp criticism from legal experts.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that federal judges lack the authority to block presidential decisions, calling recent injunctions on mass federal firings unconstitutional.
Two federal courts ruled that the Trump administration's termination of probationary federal employees was likely unlawful, ordering their reinstatement.
Legal experts criticized Leavitt's statements, highlighting her misunderstanding of the separation of powers and the judiciary's role in issuing injunctive relief.
Leavitt accused 'activist judges' of targeting the Trump administration, claiming a record number of injunctions have been issued in recent weeks compared to prior administrations.
Critics noted inconsistencies in the administration's messaging, suggesting Leavitt's comments implied political motives behind the firings rather than the previously stated performance-based reasons.