Impeaching John James McConnell Jr., Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
This is a House Resolution (H. Res. 241) introduced in the 119th Congress that would impeach John James McConnell Jr., the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, on two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and conflicts of interest. The resolution asserts that Judge McConnell politicized his judicial role, displayed political bias, and made public statements and charitable/political donations that reflect partisan views, all of which allegedly impair his impartiality. It also alleges a significant conflict of interest because he serves as a director (and former chair) of Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit that received substantial government funding and has a stake in a high-profile case (State of New York v. Trump) over which he presided. If enacted by the House, the articles would be exhibited to the Senate for trial, with removal from office as the ultimate remedy if convicted. Status notes: Introduced March 24, 2025, with sponsors from multiple House members, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. This is an impeachment resolution, meaning it is a formal charging document by the House; the Senate would conduct a trial if the House votes to impeach.
Key Points
- 1Impeachment framework: The resolution names John James McConnell Jr. as impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and proposes two Articles of Impeachment to be presented to the Senate for trial.
- 2Article I – Abuse of power: Claims McConnell politicized and weaponized his judicial position to advance personal political views, citing examples such as public comments, political contributions, and statements during proceedings related to State of New York et al. v. Trump. It also references ethical standards for federal judges (Canon 5) and argues his behavior undermines impartiality.
- 3Article II – Conflicts of interest: Claims McConnell had a material conflict because he served on the board of Crossroads Rhode Island, an organization that has received substantial government funding and which was involved in or connected to the case State of New York v. Trump. It contends he should have disqualified himself under 28 U.S.C. § 455 and related judicial ethics rules, given his fiduciary role and potential financial interests.
- 4Judicial ethics framing: The text cites the Code of Conduct for United States Judges (Canon 2A) and statutory disqualification provisions (28 U.S.C. § 455) as the basis for alleging improper conduct and lack of impartiality.
- 5Next steps in process: If the House passes the resolution, the Articles of Impeachment would be transmitted to the Senate for trial; a conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds vote and would result in removal from office.