Congressional leaders demand probe of judge who sanctioned Trump lawyers in IRS case
House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan and Rep. Darrell Issa have urged the Judicial Conference to examine Judge Kathleen Williams for alleged misconduct after she sanctioned two of Donald Trump's attorneys in a dismissed IRS lawsuit.
In early 2026, Donald Trump, his adult sons Eric and Donald Jr., and the Trump Organization sued the IRS for $10 billion, alleging a leak of the president’s tax returns. After the case was voluntarily dismissed in May, the administration announced a $1.776 billion settlement for an anti-weaponization fund, without compensation to Trump. Judge Kathleen Williams later issued a July order sanctioning Trump lawyers Alejandro Brito and Daniel Epstein, referring Brito to the Florida bar and barring Epstein from practice for a year.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Rep. Darrell Issa wrote to the Judicial Conference, claiming the sanctions violated judicial impartiality and were based on an amicus brief from Democracy Defenders Action. They argue the timing of the order is suspect and request a review, possibly involving the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Council. The controversy reflects ongoing partisan battles over perceived judicial activism.
Why it matters
It highlights congressional scrutiny of judicial actions in high-profile political lawsuits.
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