Trump Criticizes Leonard Leo Amid Judiciary Conflicts

President Donald Trump has publicly attacked Leonard Leo, a key conservative legal activist who played a crucial role in advising Trump on judicial appointments, including three Supreme Court justices. Trump called Leo a "real 'sleazebag'" and criticized the judges Leo helped recommend, blaming him for judicial rulings that have blocked several components of his agenda, such as tariffs and executive orders. These attacks come amid broader frustrations with the judiciary, which has served as a significant check on Trump's expansive use of executive power since he returned to office in 2025. Despite Leo's role in shaping the conservative judiciary during Trump's first term, Leo denies involvement in recent court decisions that have hindered Trump's policies. Mike Pence defended Leo, praising the Federalist Society's impact on the courts and the nation, highlighting the long-standing conservative legal influence Leo helped build. This conflict reveals growing tensions within conservative legal and political circles over the judiciary's role and Trump's leadership.