UN Expert Warns of Interference in Legal and Judicial System in the United States

The Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers Margaret Satterthwaite, on June 4, 2025, expressed alarm at the targeting of judges, lawyers and law firms in an apparent organized effort to interfere in the independence of the U.S. legal and judicial system.

The Special Rapporteur stated that targeting legal professionals for performing their role in the justice system threatens the integrity and fairness of the legal proceedings in the U.S. Since President Trump’s election, executive officials have made public statements characterizing legal professionals as adversaries, and the President has issued executive orders targeting specific law firms. The Special Rapporteur welcomed recent judicial decisions striking down these orders but is deeply concerned about continued efforts by the Executive to intimidate lawyers and judges.

The Special Rapporteur further calls on the U.S. to adhere to these standards and stop all efforts to interfere in the work of lawyers, law firms and judges, and has been in touch with the U.S. government about her concerns.

The full press release may be viewed here.