Trump Calls U.S. Court System ‘Rigged’ After Setbacks

President Donald Trump has denounced the U.S. judicial system as “rigged” following recent court decisions that blocked parts of his agenda, including a move involving the Kennedy Center and a ruling on his tariff policy.

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In a lengthy post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump argued that both the legal and political systems were unfairly stacked against him. He said voters were aware of those problems and pointed to his election victory as evidence of public support, vowing to continue fighting against what he described as a biased system.

Kennedy Center Dispute

Trump’s latest criticism followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that halted plans to rename the Kennedy Center and prevented a proposed summer closure of the performing arts venue for renovations.

The president targeted Cooper, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, and claimed the judge had a conflict of interest because of his wife, attorney Amy Jeffress. Trump described Jeffress as politically aligned with his opponents and argued that her professional connections made it impossible for him to receive fair treatment in court.

Jeffress is a partner at the law firm Hecker Fink, which represented writer and columnist E. Jean Carroll in her successful civil lawsuits against Trump involving sexual abuse and defamation claims.

Trump alleged that Cooper should have disclosed those connections and suggested the judge’s actions could have long-term consequences for the Kennedy Center, predicting the institution could ultimately face closure.

Focus on Carroll Investigation Reports

The president also referred to recent media reports suggesting the Justice Department was examining whether Carroll committed perjury during civil litigation against him.

However, the reports were complicated by statements from the top federal prosecutor in Chicago, who said his office had not opened a criminal investigation into the 82-year-old columnist.

The issue has become part of a broader effort by Trump to challenge legal outcomes that have gone against him, a pattern that has continued throughout his second term.

Renewed Anger Over Tariff Ruling

Trump also criticized the Supreme Court’s February decision striking down most of his sweeping tariff programme. The court ruled that key elements of the policy exceeded the president’s constitutional authority.

In his post, Trump argued that the decision would force the government to return large sums of tariff revenue. He claimed the ruling would result in repayments amounting to $149 billion and renewed his criticism of the refund process.

The refunds are being handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which collects duties and tariffs on imported goods. The agency is currently returning more than $160 million to importers and customs brokers who paid tariffs that were later invalidated by the courts.

Ongoing Attacks on the Judiciary

Trump has repeatedly criticized judges and courts when rulings have gone against his administration. His latest comments continue a pattern of public attacks on members of the judiciary, including federal judges and, at times, conservative Supreme Court justices whose decisions have conflicted with his policy objectives.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 May 2026