NBC correspondent Garrett Haake pointed out that Republican President George W. Bush initially appointed U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attacked him as a "Democrat activist."
Leavitt made the remarks after Boasberg issued a restraining order on President Donald Trump's use of an 18th Century law to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members.
"And I would just like to point out that the judge in this case is essentially trying to say that the president doesn't have the executive authority to deport foreign terrorists from our American soil," Leavitt said Tuesday. "This judge does not have that authority. It is the opinion of this White House and of this administration, and that's why we're fighting this in court."
"And it's very, very clear that this is an activist judge who is trying to usurp the president's authority," she continued. "And this judge, Judge Boasberg, is a Democrat activist. He was appointed by Barack Obama."
"His wife has donated more than $10,000 to Democrats, and he has consistently shown his disdain for this president and his policies, and it's unacceptable."
Haake noted that Boasberg had the support of Republicans before being promoted by President Barack Obama.
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"Judge Boasberg was originally appointed by George W. Bush and then elevated by Barack Obama," the reporter said. "I just feel like I should clear that up."
"This is a clear, concerted effort by leftists who don't like this president and are trying to impose or slow down his agenda," Leavitt snapped.
Trump has called for Boasberg's impeachment.
