The White House on Monday pushed back against President-elect Donald Trump’s demand to pause judicial confirmations during the lame-duck session. Trump had criticized Democrats for advancing nominations ahead of Republicans assuming Senate control in January.
“No judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their judges as the Republicans fight over leadership,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
White House pushes back on Trump call to halt confirmations in lame duck period https://t.co/7FegvsWUp2
— The Hill (@thehill) November 12, 2024
Andrew Bates, senior deputy press secretary, defended the administration’s efforts, saying delays would harm the judiciary’s ability to function. “The American people expect their leaders to prioritize the rule of law. Delaying judicial confirmations creates backlogs of criminal cases and takes a toll on constituents,” Bates said.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced 17 nominees, and Democrats aim to confirm as many as possible before losing their majority. The 119th Congress will begin with Republicans holding at least 52 Senate seats, giving them control over future nominations.
Bates pointed out that Trump’s own administration confirmed 55 judges in a lame-duck session after the 2020 election. “There is every urgent reason for Republicans and Democrats to continue working together to staff the federal bench,” he added.
Democrats have confirmed 213 of Biden’s judicial nominees so far, compared to 234 confirmed during Trump’s first term. The lame-duck session represents their last opportunity to influence the judiciary before Republicans take control.
