President Biden has recently appointed his 200th federal judge, surpassing former President Trump’s pace in judicial appointments. Biden’s focus on racial, ethnic, and gender diversity among his appointments has been celebrated by Democratic lawmakers like Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Dick Durbin. However, Republican lawmakers like Sen. John Kennedy have criticized Biden’s nominees as overly political and left-wing. There is concern that these judges may not prioritize upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, potentially leading to a more activist judiciary.
The push for diversity in judicial appointments has led to a significant increase in the number of women and people of color appointed during Biden’s tenure compared to the previous administration. Schumer highlighted the importance of making the judiciary more representative of the American population, but critics like Carrie Severino argue that the focus should be on appointing judges who prioritize the Constitution and the rule of law over political activism. The lasting impact of these appointments on the federal judiciary will depend on future elections and the makeup of the next administration.
While Biden has made progress in appointing judges at the district level, he has not been able to match Trump’s appointments at the appellate or Supreme Court level. Trump’s appointments, including three Supreme Court justices, have had a significant impact on the court’s decisions, such as the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Biden has only appointed one Supreme Court justice so far, and his appointments may not have the same level of impact as those made by his predecessor.
The disparity in the number and impact of judges appointed by Biden compared to Trump underscores the importance of future elections in determining the makeup of the federal judiciary. Republican lawmakers like Sen. Lindsey Graham have emphasized the long-lasting impact of these judicial appointments, noting that the next president will have the opportunity to appoint a significant number of judges as well. The focus on appointing judges who prioritize the rule of law over political activism will be crucial in shaping the future of the judiciary and upholding constitutional rights.
As Biden continues to appoint judges to the federal bench, there is a growing concern about the potential activist nature of these appointments. Critics argue that Biden’s nominees may not prioritize the Constitution and the rule of law, leading to a judiciary that is more politically motivated. The emphasis on diversity in judicial appointments has been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of the judiciary in upholding fundamental rights and principles. The outcome of future elections will ultimately determine the trajectory of the federal judiciary and its impact on American society.
