The Senate confirmed Donald Trump’s first judicial nominee of his second term, Whitney Hermandorfer, in a 46–42 party-line vote to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Her confirmation replaces an Obama-era judge and further shifts the court rightward.

A former clerk for Justices Alito and Barrett, Hermandorfer has defended Tennessee’s abortion ban and gender-affirming care restrictions.

Democrats opposed her nomination, citing her limited experience and alignment with conservative culture war issues, Politico has reported.

The vote marks a continuation of Trump’s effort to reshape the federal judiciary, though fewer vacancies remain after Biden’s judicial appointments.

Written by B.C. Begley