Federal Judge Reports Wave of MAGA Death Threats After Blocking Trump Funding Freeze

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, nominated by former President Barack Obama, disclosed that he has received at least six credible death threats since issuing a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's 2025 freeze on federal funding. A particularly unsettling incident involved a pizza delivery ordered under the name of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas who was murdered in 2020, which McConnell described as deeply disturbing.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted critical commentary and personal details about McConnell's daughter, a post later reshared by Elon Musk on X. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that one threat mentioned McConnell's wife, and his courthouse was flooded with hundreds of angry calls and emails. McConnell said the dehumanizing threats represent a new level of intimidation toward judges, echoing recent appeals by Supreme Court justices for additional security funding. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed concerns about Trump’s rhetoric as "deeply unserious."