Elon Musk recently called out another “corrupt judge” involved with Trump administration cases after reports surfaced surrounding a supposed “conflict of interest.” Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have recently faced opposition from judges who have blocked their efforts to rein in the federal government and reduce wasteful spending.
As background, reports surfaced that U.S. District Judge John Bates’ wife, Carol Rhees, was funded by USAID, which the Trump administration has sought to shut down. Therefore, some commentators have concluded that this creates a conflict of interest for the judge to be involved in cases related to Trump. Bates has ruled on several matters pertaining to President Trump’s agenda, such as ordering the administration to restore web pages on gender and sex change procedures.
The popular X account Bad Kitty Unleashed reported, “Breaking! Judge John Bates wife gets funded by USAID! This is a serious conflict of interest since her funding relies on the Trump admin! Recall Bates is the judge who ordered the Trump admin to restore website info on gender ideology and sex change operations. His wife, Carol Rhees, is the founder of Hope For Children in Ethiopia. And has been a very long term recipient of USAID.”
Elon Musk weighed in on the news, writing, “No kidding. Yet another corrupt judge.” Bad Kitty continued, ” Hope for Children, ran by the judges wife, has been funded by USAID long term. I’m not saying it’s wrong, because the NGO does good things. And I hope the funding stays. But, this judge John Bates has no business being involved in these lawfare cases. It’s a conflict of interest.”
The American Tribune reported on another instance in which Musk called for another “corrupt judge” to be impeached following a U.S. Treasury ruling. Musk slammed U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer following an order against DOGE gaining access to the U.S. Treasury Department from accessing payment systems and other data.
Musk took to X, writing, “A corrupt judge protecting corruption. He needs to be impeached NOW!” Musk’s remarks came in reaction to a post from conservative commentator Glenn Beck, who opined on the situation. Beck said, “Let me see if I have this right. The Treasury Secretary CANNOT access any data from the treasury? Wow. Who is afraid the secrets are coming out. This judge was not elected nor was he given the mandate by the people. Enough is enough. WE THE PEOPLE demand transparency. IT IS OUR MONEY, NOT YOURS.”
Conservative commentator Amuse also weighed in writing, “In an egregious and unconstitutional assault on executive authority, Judge Paul Engelmayer has unilaterally forbidden all of Trump’s political appointees—including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—from accessing Treasury Department data.”
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Watch a USAID employee recall DOGE raiding their office below:
Amuse continued, “This ruling, concocted without legal precedent or constitutional justification, is nothing short of judicial sabotage. Worse, it was issued ex parte—meaning Trump administration lawyers weren’t given notice, weren’t allowed to argue, and weren’t even in the room. Only Democrat attorneys general were heard, ensuring a predetermined outcome.”