Senate confirms first new judge of Trump’s second term

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.