Full Breakdown
Trump Calls Judge Ana Reyes a “Crazed Lunatic” Amid Reported Death Threats
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Reported Threats
During a Monday-afternoon hearing on a lawsuit over the proposed redevelopment of East Potomac Golf Links, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said her family was “freaking out” after media reports that she was receiving death threats. The judge recounted receiving texts from her mother and brother expressing alarm, and referenced a threatening message that suggested she “eat a bullet.” The threats, according to Reyes, referenced her sexual orientation and immigrant background and followed her February ruling that preserved legal protections for Haitian immigrants.
Prior Threats and Context
Reyes has previously faced intimidation. Former federal judge John E. Jones III noted that she received death threats in February during an immigration case, describing the situation as “serious stuff.” In September, Reyes reported similar anger over a dispute concerning tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links. The pattern of threats appears linked to her judicial decisions that some opponents deem controversial.
Official Reactions
President Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, labeling Reyes a “crazed lunatic” and implying that court recordings might reveal insanity. John E. Jones warned that such presidential rhetoric puts judges at risk, characterizing the language as beyond the pale. Reyes herself rebuffed a Justice Department request to recuse herself, stating she would not entertain accusations of being “crazy, lunatic, or insane,” and dismissed the request in a written order.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The judge on the case is a crazed lunatic whose courthouse tapes will reveal, may be insane?” — Donald Trump, hours after president
- “I received a number of texts from my mother and my brother who are freaking out, that CNN is reporting I’m getting death threats,” — Ana Reyes, district judge
- “It’s just a matter of course now that when you issue an opinion that some people don’t like, you’re going to get threats, you’re going to get death threats,” — Ana Reyes, district judge