Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has formally introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge John Bates, accusing him of judicial activism and attempting to undermine an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The move follows Bates’ ruling to block the administration’s order that removed gender-affirming care resources from government websites.
Ogles called Bates a “radical LGBTQ activist” and claimed his decision demonstrates a clear “weaponization of his bench.”
“Requiring taxpayer funds to disseminate information endorsing the castration of children is repugnant,” Ogles stated. “Judge Bates joins the ranks of hundreds of political activists disobeying their oaths to score political points. America’s founders gave Congress the authority to impeach judges to defend the will of the people. My articles will do just that.”
The controversy stems from Bates’ decision to grant a temporary injunction in favor of the left-wing group Doctors for America, blocking the Trump administration’s executive order. The order had directed agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove information on gender-transition procedures from their websites.
Bates argued that the administration failed to justify its decision, writing that removing the resources “without explanation” likely violated administrative procedures. He also asserted that medical professionals had “substantial reliance” on the now-removed webpages, dismissing concerns that the information promoted irreversible procedures on minors.
However, conservatives and child advocates have strongly pushed back, arguing that gender-transition interventions—particularly for minors—are experimental, harmful, and should not be normalized through government-funded resources.
Ogles’ impeachment resolution accuses Bates of engaging in “a pattern of conduct that is incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him as a federal judge.” The articles of impeachment specifically cite his decision to reinstate what they describe as “socially divisive and destructive LGBTQI+ content” on government-funded websites, directly contradicting Trump administration policies.
The resolution also contends that Bates’ ruling disregards the deeply controversial nature of gender-transition procedures, particularly for minors.
“At no time in American history has the judiciary considered the surgical or chemical castration of healthy children to be a compelling or even legitimate health concern, and it shouldn’t start now,” Ogles said.
The impeachment effort reflects growing conservative frustration with what they see as judicial overreach by unelected judges. Many Republicans have criticized Biden and Obama-appointed judges for blocking conservative policies while advancing left-wing social agendas.
Introducing articles of impeachment does not guarantee Bates’ removal from office. The resolution must first be considered by the House Judiciary Committee before facing a full House vote. If approved, it would then move to the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote is required for removal.
Given the current composition of Congress, the impeachment effort faces an uphill battle. While House Republicans hold a slim majority, the Democratic-controlled Senate is unlikely to vote for Bates’ removal.
With Trump expected to continue rolling back progressive policies in a second term, clashes with federal judges who attempt to block his executive actions appear inevitable.
Vivek Ramaswamy Formally Announces His Run for Ohio Governor
