Grand Canyon Times

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) has officially filed articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer of the Southern District of New York. This action follows Crane's announcement on February 11, 2025, regarding his intention to pursue impeachment for what he describes as high crimes and misdemeanors by Judge Engelmayer.

Crane criticized what he perceives as judicial overreach, stating, “Activist judges cannot stop the President from executing his Article II powers. White House employees have every right to access the very systems they oversee. President Trump campaigned on rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse from the federal government, and the American people gave him a mandate to do so.” He further expressed that such actions represent a "clear threat to democracy."

The controversy stems from a decision made by Judge Engelmayer on February 8, 2025. In response to an emergency request by 19 Democratic attorneys general, Engelmayer blocked political appointees from accessing certain payment systems within the Treasury Department. The judge's ruling was seen as siding with states' assessments against Trump administration officials' access.

According to Crane, this decision violates Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution which mandates that the President ensures laws are faithfully executed. Crane argues that by restricting Executive Branch duties, Judge Engelmayer breached constitutional separation of powers.

The impeachment resolution includes accusations that Judge Engelmayer abused his power for personal interests and political gain. It highlights two main points: restraining President Trump and Secretary Bessent from accessing Treasury records and limiting access for other government employees.

The resolution claims these actions show bias and favoritism detrimental to judicial function and interfere with public will. It concludes that Judge Engelmayer is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors warranting removal from office.