Trump and Thune Aim to Block Biden’s Judicial Picks in Strategic Shift
In a strategic shift, President-elect Donald Trump and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune are actively working to halt the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees during the current lame-duck session. This move aims to prevent the Democratic-led Senate from approving additional judges before Republicans assume control on January 3.
Senate Democrats have been accelerating the confirmation process to secure as many of Biden’s judicial appointments as possible. To date, 218 of Biden’s nominees have been confirmed, including 45 appellate judges and 170 district court judges. However, with over 30 nominees still pending, the window for confirmations is narrowing.
Thune has expressed concerns about the rapid pace of confirmations, suggesting that some nominees may not receive the thorough vetting they require. He stated, “None of this is gonna be easy,” indicating potential challenges ahead for the remaining nominees.
This development underscores the high stakes involved in shaping the federal judiciary, as both parties vie to influence its composition before the transition of power.
