Ryan: Trump Can Talk About Judges as Long as He Respects Rulings

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said the White House respecting the judicial process as the President Trump’s travel ban executive order makes its way through the courts is more important than what the president says about the judges involved.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments today from the plaintiffs who got a temporary restraining order against the ban on Friday — Washington state and Minnesota — and from the Justice Department, defending Trump’s order.

After U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington Judge James Robart blocked enforcement of the order last week, Trump tweeted, “The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!”

“What is our country coming to when a judge can halt a Homeland Security travel ban and anyone, even with bad intentions, can come into U.S.?” he continued. “Because the ban was lifted by a judge, many very bad and dangerous people may be pouring into our country. A terrible decision. Why aren’t the lawyers looking at and using the Federal Court decision in Boston, which is at conflict with ridiculous lift ban decision? The judge opens up our country to potential terrorists and others that do not have our best interests at heart. Bad people are very happy! Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!”

Outside of a close caucus meeting on Capitol Hill, Ryan was asked about Trump’s comments.

“We respect an independent judiciary. This is a separate branch of government,” Ryan said.

“Look, he’s not the first president to get frustrated with a ruling from a court. I think what’s more — most important are the actions. This administration is honoring the ruling and this administration is going through the proper procedures to deal with the ruling to try and get the ruling overturned. They’re going through the appeals process. They’re respecting the separation of powers in the process,” he added.

“Look, I know he’s an unconventional president. He gets frustrated with judges. We get frustrated with judges. But he’s respecting the process and I think that’s what counts at the end of the day.”

The speaker also commented on street demonstrations, emphasizing “it’s important for people to speak their minds in this country.”

“We cherish the First Amendment, and people who are concerned and anxious, we want them to know that we want to listen to their concerns and that peaceful protests are something we honor in this country,” Ryan said. “I just hope people keep it peaceful, respect private property, have no violence.”