Schumer: Biden-Appointed Judges Key to Defending Legacy Against Trump’s Agenda

 

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized that judges appointed during Joe Biden’s presidency will play a critical role in safeguarding his administration’s accomplishments from the policies of President-elect Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Schumer outlined the Democrats’ strategy to leverage the judiciary as a counterbalance to the Republican control of the White House and Congress.

Schumer, who has represented New York for decades, highlighted the importance of Biden's judicial appointments. Over his single term, Biden successfully placed 235 judges on federal benches, surpassing the 234 appointed by Trump during his first term. This achievement, Schumer argued, creates a crucial buffer against the anticipated conservative push under Trump’s leadership.

Reflecting on Trump’s impact on the judiciary, particularly his appointment of three Supreme Court justices that cemented a 6-3 conservative majority, Schumer explained the need for Democrats to fortify their own judicial influence.

“The judiciary will be one of our strongest barriers against what Trump does,” Schumer told Politico. “We knew getting more judges on the bench would help protect our legislative record. It’s one of the most important things we’ve done.”

Biden’s focus on judicial appointments was part of a long-term strategy hatched by Schumer and the president early in their tenure. Recognizing the challenges posed by Republican judicial dominance, the plan sought to protect Democratic policies by prioritizing liberal-leaning appointments.

Trump’s unexpected win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election added urgency to the judicial confirmation process. The White House called on Senate Democrats to confirm up to 30 judicial nominees before the legislative session ended to prevent Trump from filling those vacancies.

Schumer revealed efforts to persuade senators to prioritize these confirmations, even when facing Republican opposition. “We had to convince members that confirming these judges was essential, especially in the face of false charges and attacks from the GOP,” he said.

Schumer expressed concerns over the influence of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) judicial appointees, whom he described as aligned with an agenda that undermines women’s rights, environmental protections, and union and consumer rights.

“They’re going to come after everything,” Schumer warned. “Having judges that are not MAGA judges is more important than ever in a time when the judiciary is being used to legislate.”

Biden’s judicial appointments now stand as a bulwark against the dismantling of Democratic achievements. With legislative gridlock likely under Republican control, Schumer predicts the courts will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s policies in the years to come.

As Trump prepares to assume office, the battle over the judiciary underscores the high stakes in the ideological clash between his administration and Biden’s legacy.