ABA Condemns Trump, Faces Retaliation from DOJ

The American Bar Association, a prominent legal organization, publicly condemned President Trump in February 2025 for his actions against the Constitution and the rule of law. Their statement detailed several instances of these attacks, including challenges to birthright citizenship and efforts to dismantle USAID. In May 2025, ABA President William Bay further amplified this warning, stating, “The fight to preserve our democracy is too important to stay silent.” This public denouncement led to a swift response from the Department of Justice, which stripped the ABA of its traditional role in vetting judicial nominees. This move is widely seen as an act of retaliation against the ABA for its outspoken criticism of the President. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between the executive branch and independent institutions in the US.