D.C. Circuit Court Blocks Contempt Probe Into Trump Administration

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 on April 14, 2026, that Chief Judge James Boasberg must terminate a criminal contempt investigation into the Trump administration. The probe originated from a March 2025 conflict when the administration defied a restraining order by deporting over 100 Venezuelan nationals, suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang, to El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo prison. The administration justified these actions using the Alien Enemies Act.

Writing for the majority, Circuit Judge Neomi Rao determined that Boasberg abused his discretion because his original order did not clearly and specifically prohibit transferring plaintiffs into Salvadoran custody. Rao characterized the investigation as an intrusive inquiry into Executive Branch deliberations on national security and diplomacy. Judge J. Michelle Childs dissented, arguing that the ruling weakens judicial oversight and the rule of law.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the decision, while Senator Eric Schmitt called on the House to impeach Judge Boasberg, accusing him of a "contempt crusade." The American Civil Liberties Union, representing the deported migrants, called the ruling a blow to the rule of law and announced plans to seek a full circuit court review. The legal battle follows a year of tension, including rejected calls by Donald Trump to impeach Boasberg.