Josh Hawley Pushes Bill to Halt Nationwide Injunctions, Aims to Curb 'Resistance' Judges

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is making waves with his new legislation aimed at stopping federal judges from issuing nationwide injunctions. Hawley firmly believes his bill will prevent these judges from "provoking a crisis."

Earlier this week, Hawley introduced the measure, which he claims would rein in judges who he argues have overstepped their constitutional authority. "I don't think these judges have the authority to do that under the Constitution anyway," he said in an interview, "but they're trying to, and this legislation would make sure they can't do it."

The bill comes as a response to the surge of nationwide injunctions targeting the actions of former President Donald Trump's administration. Hawley pointed out that the number of such orders during Trump's term far exceeds those seen under George W. Bush, Barack Obama, or Joe Biden. It's as if Trump got the "special treatment"—but not the kind anyone wants.

These wide-ranging court orders have totaled around 15 so far, stopping policies in their tracks and frustrating the administration's goals. Trump himself has been vocal about his disdain for these rulings, calling them dangerous and incorrect. His recent statement on Truth Social declared, "Unlawful Nationwide Injunctions by Radical Left Judges could very well lead to the destruction of our Country! STOP NATIONWIDE INJUNCTIONS NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." Subtle as always, Mr. Trump.

Hawley has urged Senate Republican leadership to give his bill the spotlight it needs, although Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to signal any intention to move forward. When asked about the issue, Thune's office offered no comment, though the senator did mention that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is examining the matter.

Hawley, however, is undaunted and willing to bring the bill to the floor, even if it risks facing the legislative filibuster's 60-vote hurdle. He also took a jab at Democrat senators who criticized nationwide injunctions under the Biden administration but seem to have changed their tune now. "If their views have changed, I'd love to hear the explanation for why they have suddenly changed in the space of four months," Hawley quipped. A little nudge of sarcasm there—classic Hawley.

The senator remains confident that Trump would support the bill, given his public comments condemning nationwide injunctions. Hawley also didn't pull punches when discussing judges he perceives as overly political: "They're just liberal judges who fancy themselves part of the resistance, willing to do whatever it takes to stop Trump." Well, the drama never ends, does it?