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HELP WANTED: A FEW GOOD MEN —
AND WOMEN
One of the most enduring legacies a president leaves behind is the appointment of judges— individuals who will sit on the bench for decades, shaping rulings on critical issues that affect our lives long after the president has left office and their presidential libraries are gathering dust. The decisions these judges make ripple through society, impacting everything from civil rights to environmental protections and even the very structure of our democracy.
Donald Trump was no longer in the Oval Office, but his influence continued to shape the judiciary even more under President Joe Biden. Trump’s judicial appointments are changing America in ways that will outlast his presidency by generations. For instance, it was Trump’s appointees to the Supreme Court who played a key role in overturning Roe v. Wade, eliminating a constitutional right that had stood for nearly 50 years. Trump’s judges have also expanded executive powers, emboldening future presidents, including Trump himself, to push the limits of authority.
Creating a judiciary in his MAGA image was not only Trump’s goal during his first term in office — it remains a key part of his political agenda today. We can limit Trump’s influence on the courts. We still have a narrow window to reverse course and stem some of the damage. Currently, there are over 45 vacancies in the federal courts. Biden, with the support of the Democratic Senate, made great strides and has been able to make significant progress in filling seats. However, time is running out to complete this important job.
In just a few weeks, the Senate will shift, and with it, the opportunity to confirm Biden’s judicial nominees. Once the Senate flips, it will be in the hands of a GOP majority loyal to Trump — a majority that is certain to prioritize filling the courts with ideologically extreme judges who mirror Trump’s vision of America and are far outside the judicial mainstream. Such appointments would pose a grave risk to the health of our democracy, our environment, and our society at large.
The stakes are especially high when we consider the Supreme Court, where Trump’s judicial legacy could expand even further. There is a very real possibility that he could have the opportunity to appoint two more justices, cementing a conservative supermajority on the Court for generations.
While much of the public attention focuses on the Supreme Court, it’s important to remember that the lower courts actually hear the vast majority of cases. These judges, like their Supreme Court counterparts, serve for life, meaning their decisions also have a significant impact on American life.
This is a critical moment. We cannot afford to let it slip by unnoticed or unchallenged.
We must act now to ensure that Biden’s judicial nominees are confirmed before the Senate adjourns for the year. We need these checks and balances in the White House and Congress. The next few weeks could be our last chance to fill these vacancies with judges who will protect the rights and values that define us as a nation.
Take Action:
CALL YOUR SENATORS at 202-224-3121 and urge them to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees. Tell them not to go home until this job is done.
Your voice matters. The fight is far from over, and this one is crucial. If we allow Trump’s judges to continue reshaping the judiciary unchecked, the damage could be irreparable. Stand up, speak out, and help preserve the integrity of our courts—and our democracy.
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