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President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized a federal judge in Utah who ordered the state to redraw its congressional map before the 2026 midterm elections.
U.S. District Court Judge Dianna Gibson ruled Monday that Utah’s 2021 map must be replaced, saying lawmakers ignored voter-approved safeguards meant to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The plan divided Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County across the state’s four districts, limiting Democratic influence.
Trump, writing on Truth Social, called Gibson’s order “unconstitutional” and urged Republicans to stay unified.
“Monday’s Court Order in Utah is absolutely Unconstitutional,” Trump wrote. “How did such a wonderful Republican State like Utah, which I won in every Election, end up with so many Radical Left Judges? All Citizens of Utah should be outraged at their activist Judiciary, which wants to take away our Congressional advantage, and will do everything possible to do so.
“This incredible State sent four great Republicans to Congress, and we want to keep it that way,” he continued. “The Utah GOP has to STAY UNITED, and make sure their four terrific Republican Congressmen stay right where they are!”
Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee also criticized the ruling in his state.
“This is a great day for Utah’s Democrats—who haven’t controlled the Utah legislature in many, many decades (because most Utah voters don’t like what the Democratic Party is selling), and have found a clever way to even the score by enlisting the help of their judicial allies,” Lee posted to X.
“But it’s a terrible day for everyone else—and for the rule of law Make no mistake, this decision will make the process of drawing legislative districts in Utah *less* accountable to voters, not more It’ll also result in maps that are far more generous to Democrats, and that’s the whole point,” he added.
Utah’s current House delegation includes Republicans Burgess Owens, Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy and Mike Kennedy.
The decision adds to a wave of redistricting battles across the country as both parties position themselves before the midterms. Texas last week approved a map that could deliver Republicans five additional congressional seats, while California moved to redraw its own map in response.
Democratic leaders in New York and Illinois have also weighed new maps. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott argued his state’s move followed after Democratic states had already reshaped their districts.
