Hold senators accountable as they vet Trump’s judicial nominees

What's At Stake

Who sits on the courts affects how our laws impact our everyday lives. Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for lifetime terms. There are over 860 authorized judicial seats, with more than 790 active judges serving in district and appellate courts. They hear cases that impact everything from environmental protections and public health to voting and civil rights. 

Now, President Trump has another opportunity to appoint judges, and based on his record, it doesn’t look good. Trump’s first-term judicial appointments were overwhelmingly white and male and held dim views on protecting our public health and environment. Twenty of them were even deemed ‘not qualified’ to be on the federal bench by some or all reviewers from the nonpartisan American Bar Association. Yet, they received nearly universal support from Senate Republicans. 

That cannot happen again. Like every nominee from other administrations, each Trump nominee must be carefully examined and vetted based on their qualifications, not pushed through to please the President. Senators are the only ones who can provide this crucial check on executive power. 

At Earthjustice Action, we will continue to strive for a judiciary comprised of impartial, highly qualified judges who understand the distinction between facts and politics and will uphold our environmental laws. Call your Senators today and urge them to carefully consider each nominee’s background—don’t let them act as a rubber stamp for the President’s lawless agenda.