Donald Trump has publicly attacked the Federalist Society and its influential associate, Leonard Leo, calling Leo a 'sleazebag' and accusing him of controlling judges. This outburst, following court rulings against Trump's policies, signals a growing schism between the MAGA movement and the conservative legal establishment, raising questions about whether Trump demands absolute loyalty even from organizations that have historically supported his judicial appointments.
From friends to foes: how Trump turned on the Federalist Society
Donald TrumpUnited StatesLaw (US)
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Donald Trump has publicly attacked the Federalist Society and its influential associate, Leonard Leo, calling Leo a 'sleazebag' and accusing him of controlling judges. This outburst, following court rulings against Trump's policies, signals a growing schism between the MAGA movement and the conservative legal establishment, raising questions about whether Trump demands absolute loyalty even from organizations that have historically supported his judicial appointments.
Trending- 1 1982: The Federalist Society was founded.
- 2 Trump's first term: Trump used the Federalist Society as a recommending source for judges, and Leonard Leo was a close ally.
- 3 Five years ago (implied 2020): Trump and Leo stopped speaking.
- 4 2021: A Chicago billionaire gave Leonard Leo a $1.6bn political donation, the largest in US history.
- 5 Recent months: Trump has been repeatedly stymied by court rulings from federal judges, including those he appointed.
- 6 February (implied 2025): Federal prosecutor Danielle Sassoon resigned after saying the Trump administration tried to pressure her to drop a case.
- 7 Last week (implied June 2025): Donald Trump publicly attacked the Federalist Society and Leonard Leo on Truth Social, calling Leo a 'sleazebag'.
- 8 Present: The dispute continues, with speculation about a larger schism in the conservative legal movement and the rise of the Article III Project.
- A significant rift has emerged between Donald Trump/MAGA world and the conservative legal establishment, particularly the Federalist Society.
- Questions are being raised about the independence of judges appointed by Republican presidents and their loyalty to Trump's agenda.
- The Article III Project (A3P) is positioning itself as a pro-Trump alternative to the Federalist Society.
- Leonard Leo, despite being cast out of Trump's inner circle, maintains significant influence through dark money and has shifted focus to the entertainment industry.
- The situation highlights Trump's tendency to demand absolute loyalty, even from organizations that have historically supported his judicial appointments.
What: Donald Trump has publicly attacked the Federalist Society and Leonard Leo, a key figure in the conservative legal movement, accusing Leo of controlling judges and expressing anger over court rulings against his policies, signaling a growing rift.
When: Last week (Trump's fallout with Elon Musk), recent months (Trump stymied by court rulings), February (Danielle Sassoon resigned), five years (Trump and Leo haven't spoken), 2021 (Chicago billionaire donation to Leo), 1982 (Federalist Society founded).
Where: Washington D.C. (center of conservative legal world), US (judiciary, law schools, judge's chambers), Truth Social (social media platform).
Why: Trump's anger over court rulings against his policies (e.g., tariffs), his belief that judges should be loyal to him, and a potential desire by his inner circle to create a new legal organization more aligned with MAGA ideology.
How: Through Trump's public broadside on Truth Social, the filing of a brief by conservative lawyers challenging his tariffs, and lawsuits by groups like the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA).