-
Original Date Announced
July 23, 2026James Percival, DHS’s general counsel, announced on X that he is starting a new series titled "Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition." His post publicly singles out four federal district judges by name, criticizing them for rulings that have blocked Trump administration immigration policies.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2346]
2026.07.23 James Percival - Worst of the WorstSubsequent Trump and Court Action
August 3, 20262026.08.03 James Percival - Worst of the Worst
DHS General Counsel Percival continues his "Worst of the Worst" series, singling out two federal district judges for ruling against the Trump administration's immigration policies and for critiquing Percival's attack on judges.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
August 18, 20262026.08.18 Florida Bar Ethics Complaint - James Percival
Democracy Defenders Fund, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, and 128 former judges filed an ethics complaint to the Florida Bar, requesting that it investigate DHS General Counsel James Percival for allegedly violating Florida’s professional-conduct rules by publicly attacking and mischaracterizing the integrity of sitting federal judges. The groups argue that Percival’s “Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition” posts went beyond legitimate criticism, could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, and could increase threats against judges. They contend that Percival, as a Florida-licensed attorney, remains subject to the state’s ethics rules despite serving as a federal official and urge the Florida Bar to investigate and take disciplinary action.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
August 31, 20262026.08.31 - Bill Melugin - Florida Bar
Bill Melugin, congressional reporter for Fox News, reports on X that the Florida Bar has rejected the request to investigate DHS General Counsel James Percival. The Florida Bar notes in a letter that it does not investigate sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they are in office so as to not "encroach on the authority of the federal government."
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter:Agencies Affected: DHSAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
-
New Policy
Original Source:
2026.07.23 James Percival - Worst of the Worst
-
Subsequent Action
Original Source:
2026.08.03 James Percival - Worst of the Worst
-
Subsequent Action
Original Source:
2026.08.18 Florida Bar Ethics Complaint - James Percival
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com
Commentary
2026.07.23 Bloomberg News - DHS Lawyer Calls Out Judges by Name as Judicial Threats Rise
Bloomberg News explains that the posts have drawn concern because they come amid a sharp increase in threats and harassment directed at federal judges. Judicial leaders warn that inflammatory rhetoric from public officials can heighten security risks.
Go to article2026.08.19 The Hill - Top DHS lawyer faces bar complaint over ‘worst of the worst’ list for judges
The Hill reports that DHS General Counsel Percival is facing an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar for the "Worst of the Worst" list. The complaint was filed by a group of nearly 130 former federal and state judges, and alleges that Percival violated Florida Bar rules that prohibit making unfounded attacks on the integrity of judges.
Go to article