Senate advances Trump judicial nominee
The United States Senate voted 53–46 on Tuesday to advance the confirmation of Anne-Leigh Moe as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Moe currently serves on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal, a position she has held since 2022. Before that, she spent nearly a decade as a circuit judge in Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hillsborough County, and previously worked as an assistant state attorney in Tampa. Her confirmation represents another step in filling federal court vacancies.
Trump praises Moe’s record
President Donald Trump welcomed the move and praised Moe’s judicial record in a post on Truth Social. “I am pleased to announce the nomination of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve as Judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida,” Trump wrote. He also said, “Anne-Leigh has fiercely advocated for Sunshine State residents as a Judge on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals, and as Trial Judge on Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Anne-Leigh will prioritize LAW AND ORDER unlike other activist Judges who put the safety of Illegal Criminals over the safety of AMERICANS. Congratulations Anne-Leigh!”
Judicial confirmation seen as political win
Moe’s advancement is considered a significant judicial victory for the Trump administration as it continues appointing judges to federal courts. Supporters say the appointments strengthen a law-and-order approach to the judiciary.
Shutdown politics and public opinion
At the same time, the federal government shutdown continues in Washington. According to CNN data analyst Harry Enten, the situation has not significantly harmed Trump’s political standing. “This shutdown hasn’t eaten into Donald Trump support at all. His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support,” Enten said.
Blame and political stalemate
Enten noted that fewer Americans blame Trump for the shutdown compared with the 2018–2019 shutdown. During that earlier standoff, 61 percent of respondents blamed Trump, compared with 48 percent now. With narrow majorities in Congress, Republicans would need support from several Senate Democrats to pass funding legislation and reopen the government, leaving both parties locked in a continuing political impasse.
