Republicans are preparing to further reshape the judiciary under President-elect Donald Trump, with a focus on appointing additional conservative Supreme Court justices. Having already appointed three justices during his first term, which played a key role in overturning abortion rights, Trump could secure a majority on the court if he appoints two more.
Trump prioritized the judiciary throughout his first term, working with Senate Republicans to appoint 234 federal judges.
With the GOP holding at least 52 Senate seats, Republicans will have the ability to confirm judges and justices with a simple majority, and some speculate that retirements on the Supreme Court could provide opportunities for further conservative appointments.
The possibility of further reshaping the court has many eyes on aging conservative justices like Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, with some expecting retirement in the near future.
Should Trump appoint two more justices, he would be the first president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to appoint a majority of the Supreme Court. His previous appointees, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, have already shifted the court rightward, and Trump has indicated that he will continue appointing bold, conservative judges who will prioritize the law over liberal media criticisms.
The GOP’s Senate majority will likely help Trump fill judicial vacancies, further solidifying conservative influence across the judiciary.
Peoplesmind
