World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Trump will be blocked from putting ‘rightwinger’ on supreme court, Schumer says
Chuck Schumer, who is set to become Senate majority leader, says Democrats will block Donald Trump from appointing a conservative justice to the US Supreme Court. His comments preview a broader effort to use Democrats’ new congressional majorities to resist Trump’s appointments and policies.
Four justices are in their 70s, including the court’s oldest members, Clarence Thomas, 78, and Samuel Alito, 76. Trump appointed three justices during his first term, helping establish the court’s 6–3 conservative majority. Democrats have secured 54 Senate seats, potentially rising to 56 if two undecided races go their way, and at least 253 House seats; they also plan investigations and legislation on issues including Medicaid cuts and funding for the Iran war.
In short
- Schumer says Democrats will block a conservative Supreme Court nominee.
- Democrats have secured 54 Senate seats and at least 253 House seats.
- Thomas and Alito are the court’s oldest justices.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that the Senate has a constitutional role in scrutinising and confirming Supreme Court nominees, and that a president’s choice could shape rights and public policy for decades. Given the court’s existing 6–3 conservative majority, resisting another conservative appointment may be a legitimate way to limit further ideological entrenchment and use the leverage voters gave Congress.
The case against
Opponents can argue that a blanket pledge to block any conservative nominee prejudges candidates before considering their qualifications, independence or judicial record. If a vacancy arises, the president would be exercising a constitutional power to nominate, and the Senate should assess the nominee on their merits rather than treat confirmation as a partisan contest over the court’s ideological balance.
Americas Elections Government Politics World