In a scathing rebuke, former federal judge J. Michael Luttig has condemned former President Donald Trump's relentless attacks on the judiciary, warning of the dangerous consequences for American democracy. Luttig argued that Trump's objective was to delegitimize the courts, aimed at dismissing any rulings against him as politically motivated.

Speaking on MSNBC's "Deadline White House," Luttig emphasized that despite Trump being the sole voice questioning the legitimacy of these institutions, many of his followers now agree with this sentiment. Luttig's comments come in the wake of a gag order issued on Trump in the hush money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The order prohibits Trump from publicly attacking witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the forthcoming criminal trial.

However, Trump responded to the gag order by attacking Judge Juan Merchan and his daughter. Despite the order not directly applying to the judge, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argued that it should. The former president, who is also the presumptive GOP nominee for the White House in 2024, criticized the gag order on the Truth Social platform, calling it "illegal, un-American," and accusing Judge Merchan of political bias.

Luttig reiterated his belief that Trump's relentless attacks against the Biden administration and judges have convinced many that the system is failing. He warned that this could lead some to cast their votes in favor of Trump, believing that the institutions of law and democracy are no longer functioning. Luttig called this situation a tragedy for the nation.

When asked if Trump's actions could be compared to a "mobster" mentality, Luttig argued that Trump's rhetoric posed an even greater threat. He stated that as a former president, Trump's attempts to delegitimize American democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law are an existential threat to the nation.

Luttig also commended sitting Judge Reggie Walton for publicly defending the rule of law and warning against tyranny. He commended Walton's courage in standing up for the foundations of American democracy.

The criticism from J. Michael Luttig adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Trump's attacks on the judiciary. As the trial involving the hush money case approaches, the question of the former president's rhetoric and its impact on the public's perception of the courts remains a significant concern.