A formal judicial complaint has been lodged against US District Judge Roy Altman, centering on allegations that his outspoken pro-Israel advocacy and inflammatory rhetoric have compromised the impartiality of the federal bench. Florida attorney Katherine Giannamore filed the complaint with the Eleventh Circuit Court earlier this month, arguing that the judge’s conduct undermines public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
The complaint alleges that Judge Altman has consistently utilized his official chambers in Miami to broadcast media appearances and engage in political advocacy during standard business hours. According to the filing, these activities have been persistent, occurring on an almost daily basis over several months. Giannamore further claims that the judge has involved his law clerks in these public-facing efforts while on the clock.
A primary point of contention involves the judge’s public remarks regarding the keffiyeh, a traditional symbol of Palestinian identity. During an April podcast appearance with the Middle East Forum—a right-wing organization focused on combating what it describes as the infrastructure of lawful Islamism—Altman referred to the garment as a “terrorism scarf.” He has frequently used his platform to dismiss allegations of rights abuses against Israel, often conflating the terms “Jews” and “Israel” throughout his public commentary.
In a June statement, the judge remarked that the ongoing conflict is not merely between seven million Jews and six million Palestinians, but rather involves “seven million Jews surrounded by two billion Muslims,” many of whom he claimed are raised to seek the destruction of the Jewish state. In another instance, he asserted that there is “no distinction” between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.
Giannamore, who has expressed concern that such rhetoric signals a broader bias against Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims, highlighted the potential impact on the legal system. She noted that while federal judges are appointed for life, the use of the judicial office to advance personal political beliefs is detrimental to the legitimacy of the court. She acknowledged that while a formal reprimand is not guaranteed, the filing serves to initiate a necessary dialogue regarding the expectations of conduct for lifelong judicial appointees.
The complaint also addresses the judge’s involvement in organized travel programs. Altman frequently promotes trips to Israel facilitated by the World Jewish Congress, which are described as being similar to legislative junkets. In a speech at Florida International University, the judge claimed to have taken 10 percent of the federal judiciary on such excursions. The complaint argues that the participation of such a large segment of the judiciary in state-sponsored foreign trips, where they meet with international political officials, is “truly frightening” and could lead to perceived biases in future rulings.
This controversy arrives as the federal judiciary prepares to hear several cases related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including legal challenges surrounding the potential deportation of student activists who protested the war in Gaza. Judicial misconduct complaints are typically reviewed by the chief judge of the relevant court of appeals, who holds the authority to dismiss the claims or appoint a special committee for further investigation. Potential outcomes for substantiated complaints can range from sanctions and restricted case assignments to requests for voluntary resignation.
Judge Altman, who was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump in 2019, is currently promoting a self-published book centered on his defense of Israel. He did not provide a response to requests for comment regarding the allegations prior to the publication of this report. The report also notes that “Since at least April 2026, Judge Altman has consistently engaged in this conduct during business hours, broadcasting himself live from chambers and has utilized law clerks during public talks during business hours,” the complaint reads. The report also notes that the complaint points to several examples of what it considers to be worrying behaviour. The report also notes that particularly for lifelong office-holders, giannamore believes complaints like hers can help spark a discussion about acceptable behaviour within the judicial system. The report also notes that “It’s important to bring awareness to that, and maybe give them a moment to take a step back and say, ‘Is this worth it. The report also notes that and would we accept it if it was other issues that a judge was using the office to speak on?’” Giannamore said. The report also notes that “I say on college campuses, ‘You think you’re counterculture. The report also notes that boring thing history has ever seen,’” Altman said, you’re the most mainstream.
Source: Al Jazeera
