President Biden's appointments of 235 federal judges, including the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, emphasize his commitment to diversifying the judiciary.
Despite diversifying the federal bench, Biden has not shifted the judiciary's ideological balance as significantly as Trump did during his presidency.
Deep dives
Biden's Judicial Legacy
President Biden appointed a total of 235 federal judges during his term, slightly surpassing the number appointed by Trump. These judges hold lifetime tenure, which significantly influences the judiciary's future composition. Biden's accomplishment stands out as he focused on diversifying the federal bench, ensuring a broader representation compared to previous administrations. His appointments included the first Black woman to the Supreme Court and record numbers of women, Black women, and LGBTQ judges, reflecting a commitment to professional and personal diversity.
Impact of Judicial Appointments
While Biden made strides in appointing judges across various demographics, he has not rebalanced the ideological makeup of the judiciary as Trump did. Although Biden’s appointees have been significant in district courts, Trump's presidency achieved a conservative supermajority in the Supreme Court, which may have lasting implications. District court judges carry substantial weight in deciding critical cases on issues such as voting rights and reproductive rights, making their appointments particularly impactful. This long-term influence underscores the importance of Biden's judicial appointments in shaping legal precedents.
Future of Judicial Challenges
The potential for future legal challenges stemming from Trump's actions remains relevant, especially with the possibility of further Supreme Court vacancies. Trump's return to leadership could impact the judiciary's balance, depending on the vacancies available for appointment. Judges appointed during the Trump era, such as Eileen Cannon, have already played crucial roles in high-profile cases involving Trump himself, indicating the lasting significance of judicial appointment outcomes. The outcome of ongoing legal battles may hinge on the judges presiding, emphasizing how one appointment can sway pivotal legal decisions.
When he took office, President Biden promised to diversify the federal bench. During his four years in office, he succeeded in making that promise a reality. These lifetime appointments will outlast his administration.
This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Tamara Keith.
The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
