In a bold move, the American Bar Association (ABA) has officially adopted a resolution that condemns President Donald Trump’s efforts to retaliate against lawyers and organizations based on their representation of clients or causes that are not favored by his administration. This resolution, adopted on August 11, 2025, also sharply criticizes the threats to impeach judges merely due to disagreements with their judicial rulings.

In past times, such actions by the ABA might have been seen as standard defense of legal principles. However, under the current administration, these steps are anything but routine. The Trump administration has taken specific actions that directly challenge the norms of legal conduct and the independence of the judiciary, including attempts to undermine the ABA’s role in law school accreditation and excluding the organization from the judicial vetting process.

The resolution marks another chapter in the ongoing tussle between the ABA and President Trump. The association previously sued Trump and his administration for their campaign aimed at intimidating legal professionals. In retaliation, the administration has threatened significant repercussions, including stripping the ABA of its accreditation functions for law schools, and has already removed the association from its traditional role in vetting judicial appointments.

Such moves by the administration have raised alarms about the erosion of the rule of law in the United States. The ABA’s resolution is seen as a critical stand against what they describe as an authoritarian push by the Trump administration. It underscores the ABA’s commitment to uphold the independence of legal professionals and the judiciary, essential foundations of a democratic society.

This ongoing conflict underscores a broader struggle within the U.S. government over the principles of justice and governance. Legal experts and observers will be watching closely as this battle continues to unfold, shaping the landscape of American law and governance in critical ways. The ABA, through its resolution and other efforts, signals its dedication to resisting any undermining of legal norms and continues to advocate fiercely for the rule of law.