President Joe Biden has officially outpaced Donald Trump in judicial appointments, marking a significant milestone as the Senate confirmed his 235th federal judge.
He’s trying to stop Trump getting his agenda through…
At a glance:
- Biden’s record: With 235 confirmed judges, Biden surpasses Trump’s first-term total of 234.
- Diverse judiciary: Biden has appointed a record number of women, people of color, and LGBTQ judges.
- Lifetime impact: These appointments will influence courts long after Biden’s term ends.
- Future challenges: Trump is expected to face fewer judicial vacancies compared to his first term.
The Senate’s confirmation on Friday finalized Biden’s total of 235 judicial appointments, including one Supreme Court justice, 45 appeals court judges, 187 district court judges, and two U.S. Court of International Trade judges. This achievement surpasses Donald Trump’s first-term record of 234 confirmations.
Biden’s administration celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the diversity and professional experience of his appointees. According to a White House fact sheet:
“These men and women have the power to uphold basic rights or to roll them back. President Biden is proud of his record of appointments and grateful to the Senate for its partnership in reaching this historic achievement.”
Judicial Legacy and Impact
Biden’s appointees include the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, as well as 63 Black federal judges and numerous individuals with backgrounds in public defense, civil rights law, and labor advocacy. His nominees also include record numbers of women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
These lifetime appointments will serve to secure Biden’s judicial legacy and counter potential legal challenges posed by Trump’s anticipated policies. For instance, Trump has pledged to conduct the largest mass deportation in history, which is expected to face judicial scrutiny.
It’s clear what he’s doing.
Republican Criticism and Challenges Ahead
Despite Biden’s record, Republicans have criticized his nominees. Senator Ted Cruz called them “absolute zealots,” while Senator Chuck Grassley, the incoming chair of the Judiciary Committee, expressed confidence that Trump will surpass Biden’s total by the end of a second term.
“They’re going to brag about having 235 instead of Trump’s 234,” Grassley said. “On January 20 of 2029, Trump’s going to brag about having 240.”
However, Senator John Cornyn pointed out the challenge Trump faces, as he is set to inherit the fewest judicial vacancies in generations. This is in stark contrast to the more than 100 vacancies Trump filled after Republicans blocked many of President Obama’s nominees.
Looking Forward
The confirmation of Biden’s 235th judge is likely to be his last judicial appointment, as the new Republican-controlled Senate takes office in January. Democrats are expected to face significant obstacles in opposing Trump’s nominees.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the achievements of Biden’s term:
“We have confirmed more judges than under the Trump administration, more judges than any administration in this century, more judges than any administration going back decades. This is historic.”
With Biden’s judicial appointments set to influence the courts for decades, the battle over the federal judiciary remains a focal point in the political landscape, underscoring its importance in shaping the nation’s legal and policy future.
