President Trump attacked Leonard Leo, a conservative legal activist who advised him on Supreme Court picks, calling him a “bad person” who “probably hates America.” The outburst came after a panel of judges, including a Trump appointee, challenged most of Trump’s tariffs in a ruling that was temporarily paused by an appeal. Trump wrote on social media, “I was new to Washington, and it was suggested that I use Leo as a recommending source on Judges. I did so, openly and freely, but then realized that they were under the thumb of a real ‘sleazebag’ named Leonard Leo, a bad person who, in his own way, probably hates America, and obviously has his own separate ambitions.”
Leo responded, stating, “I’m very grateful for President Trump transforming the Federal Courts, and it was a privilege being involved.
There’s more work to be done, for sure, but the Federal Judiciary is better than it’s ever been in modern history, and that will be President Trump’s most important legacy.”
Trump’s attacks are surprising given their long-standing alliance. During his 2016 campaign, Trump promised to listen to the right-leaning legal organization when making judicial picks.
Trump criticizes former judicial advisor
Leo advised Trump on his Supreme Court selections, which have secured a 6-3 conservative majority. Earlier in his presidency, Trump spoke positively about Leo’s contributions. However, he recently expressed disappointment, saying, “I’m disappointed because of the bad advice they gave me on numerous Judicial Nominations.” He also noted that Leo has “left to do his own ‘thing,'” likely referring to Leo’s work with the Teneo Network.
The president has frequently clashed with judges as parts of his agenda, such as tariffs and immigration policy, face pushback from the federal judiciary. Lawsuits challenging Trump’s tariff powers have cited legal concepts favored by the conservative judicial movement, including justices appointed by Trump.
