Federal judge Roy Altman faces ethics complaint over pro-Israel activism
Florida attorney Katherine Giannamore has lodged a formal grievance against District Judge Roy Altman, alleging that his public support for Israel and anti-Palestinian remarks undermine confidence in the federal judiciary.
Attorney Katherine Giannamore filed a judicial misconduct complaint against District Judge Roy Altman, accusing him of eroding public trust in the federal courts through overt pro-Israel advocacy. The grievance, presented to the Eleventh Circuit, cites Altman's frequent live broadcasts from his Miami chambers, use of law clerks for political talks, and a podcast appearance with the right-wing Middle East Forum where he called the keffiyeh a “terrorism scarf.”
Giannamore highlighted additional remarks in which Altman conflated Jews and Israel and disparaged Palestinian symbols, suggesting a bias that could affect cases involving Palestinians, Arabs, or Muslims. Although disciplinary action against a federal judge is uncommon, the complaint aims to raise awareness of potential conflicts of interest, especially after Altman promoted trips to Israel for other judges through the World Jewish Congress.
Altman, a Trump-appointed judge, has not responded to requests for comment. The filing underscores growing scrutiny of judicial neutrality in politically charged issues.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about whether a lifetime-appointed judge can use his office to push a political agenda.
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