Biden judicial confirmations/ Trump judges record/ federal judiciary diversity/ Supreme Court appointments/ Senate Judiciary Committee/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Senate is set to confirm President Joe Biden’s 235th judge, surpassing Donald Trump’s total. This milestone highlights Biden’s focus on diversity, with women and minorities making up a majority of his appointees. As Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate, the federal judiciary remains a critical battleground.
Biden Surpasses Trump in Judicial Confirmations: What’s Next?
Key Highlights
- A Record Achievement: Biden’s presidency is expected to secure its 235th judicial confirmation this week, surpassing Trump’s 234.
- Focus on Diversity: Approximately two-thirds of Biden’s appointees are women, and most are people of color, broadening the representation on federal courts.
- Professional Diversity: Biden prioritized nominees with backgrounds in public defense, civil rights, and labor law, a departure from traditional appointee profiles.
Senate to Confirm Record 235 Judges Under Biden’s Presidency
Deep Look
Biden’s Legacy in Federal Judiciary Confirmations
President Joe Biden will likely secure his 235th judicial confirmation by the end of Friday, setting a new benchmark for judicial appointments during a single term. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has teed up votes on two California district judges to wrap up this historic achievement.
This milestone surpasses the 234 judges confirmed under Donald Trump, who significantly reshaped the judiciary during his first term. Notably, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices, including Amy Coney Barrett, who replaced the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg just weeks before the 2020 presidential election.
Expanding Diversity in the Courts
Biden’s judicial appointments have been lauded for their demographic and professional diversity:
- Demographics: Two-thirds of appointees are women, and a majority are people of color.
- Professional Backgrounds: More than 45 appointees are public defenders, while over two dozen served as civil rights attorneys.
This shift contrasts with previous administrations that predominantly appointed judges with prosecutorial or corporate legal experience. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted the importance of this approach, saying it improves the judiciary’s legitimacy and public trust.
Biden’s Most Notable Appointment
The appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court marked a historic first, as she became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Comparing Biden and Trump’s Judiciary Influence
While Biden surpassed Trump in total confirmations, Trump still outpaces Biden in key areas:
- Circuit Court Judges: Trump confirmed 54 compared to Biden’s 45.
- Supreme Court Justices: Trump appointed three, while Biden had one.
Republicans, under Trump, made the judiciary a priority, particularly after witnessing landmark rulings on abortion, affirmative action, and environmental regulations under a conservative-majority Supreme Court.
Challenges Ahead
With Republicans poised to take control of the Senate, Biden’s pace of confirmations is expected to slow dramatically. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who will lead the Senate Judiciary Committee in the new Congress, vowed to prioritize Trump’s judicial appointments during his second term.
Democratic Reflections
“We’ve done some great work, but the road ahead is sobering. We must prepare to challenge unqualified nominees.”
Republican Confidence
Grassley expressed confidence that Trump will surpass Biden’s record, saying:
“By 2029, Trump will be bragging about 240 judicial appointments.”
Why Judicial Confirmations Matter
Judicial appointments are among the most enduring legacies of a presidency, shaping U.S. law for decades. Trump’s focus on installing conservative judges has already led to significant rulings, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
For Biden, the emphasis on diversity and representation aims to restore public trust in the judiciary. However, with Trump set to re-enter the White House, the federal judiciary is poised to remain a battleground for competing ideologies.
Key Takeaways
- Biden’s 235 judicial confirmations surpass Trump’s, marking a historic achievement.
- The focus on demographic and professional diversity aims to enhance representation and fairness in the courts.
- Republicans, led by Trump and Grassley, are gearing up to reshape the judiciary further during Trump’s second term.
