Trump Could Reshape the Courts If Older Judges Step Aside
President Trump has a shot at expanding his influence on the judiciary, but it all depends on whether aging Republican-appointed judges decide to retire.
Right now, at least 22 judges who were put on the bench by Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush are eligible for “senior status.” That’s a semi-retirement option that allows them to take a lighter caseload while opening their seat for a new nominee. If they step down, Trump can replace them with younger, more conservative judges cementing his legacy on the courts.
However, not all of these judges seem eager to leave. Some, like Milan Smith of the Ninth Circuit, have said they want to stay on the bench for as long as possible. Others might be hesitant due to the Trump administration’s tense relationship with the judiciary, which has included calls to impeach judges who ruled against his policies.
Still, Trump allies are pushing for retirements. Legal experts point out that many judges prefer to step down when a president from their own party is in power, ensuring their seat is filled by someone with a similar judicial philosophy.
Even if Trump doesn’t get as many vacancies to fill as he did in his first term, any new appointments he makes could have a lasting impact adding younger, more conservative judges who could shape the courts for decades.
The Bench Is Aging—And That’s Trump’s Ticket to Reshaping the Courts
