A Reagan-appointed judge just walked away from a lifetime gig in protest of President Donald Trump’s approach to the justice system.
U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf, a senior federal judge in Massachusetts, resigned last week after nearly four decades on the bench, citing Trump’s alleged misuse of the legal system as a partisan tool.
Appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1985, Wolf, now 78, has spent over 50 years serving in the Department of Justice and as a federal judge, building a reputation for fairness and dedication.
His decision to step down wasn’t a quiet retirement—it’s a loud statement against what he sees as Trump’s dangerous meddling in judicial matters.
Wolf didn’t mince words, accusing the president of targeting political opponents while shielding allies and donors from scrutiny, a charge that strikes at the heart of impartial justice.
“President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment,” Wolf wrote in The Atlantic, blasting what he calls an “assault on the rule of law.”
Well, that’s quite the accusation, but let’s unpack it—while conservatives may cheer Trump’s tough-on-crime stance, bending the Department of Justice to settle personal scores isn’t exactly the “law and order” we signed up for.
Wolf also took issue with Trump’s social media calls to prosecute figures like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, arguing such actions ignore the principle of evidence-based indictments.
He pointed out that even failed prosecutions can ruin lives, a sobering reminder that justice shouldn’t be a political weapon, no matter who’s wielding it.
Beyond specific cases, Wolf criticized executive orders he deems unlawful, Trump’s threats to impeach judges who rule against him, and alleged corruption within the president’s inner circle.
He warned that attacks on the judiciary have real consequences, including threats against judges, a trend that should alarm anyone who values an independent court system.
While some might see Trump’s judicial critiques as holding activist judges accountable, Wolf’s concern about escalating hostility toward the bench isn’t baseless—courts aren’t supposed to be battlegrounds.
By resigning, Wolf said he’s freeing himself from the constraints on judges’ public speech, aiming to advocate for the rule of law and support litigation against perceived threats to democracy.
“I resigned in order to speak out, support litigation, and work with other individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the rule of law and American democracy,” Wolf declared, signaling he’s not done fighting.
Sure, it’s noble to stand up for principle, but one has to wonder if this move risks turning a judicial career into a partisan crusade—still, credit to Wolf for putting his money where his mouth is, even if conservatives might question his timing and target.
