Schumer Suddenly Abandons Appeals Court Nominee

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer abandons confirmation of Adeel Mangi, Biden’s controversial nominee for the Third Circuit Appeals Court.

At a Glance

Schumer abandons Mangi’s confirmation due to lack of support from Senate Democrats.
Deal struck with Republicans to confirm district court nominees in exchange for dropping appellate picks.
Mangi faced criticism for affiliations with anti-police and anti-Israel groups.
Law enforcement organizations strongly opposed Mangi’s nomination.
Withdrawal allows President-elect Trump to fill appellate court positions.

Schumer’s Deal and Mangi’s Withdrawal

In a significant turn of events, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has abandoned the confirmation of Adeel Mangi, President Biden’s nominee for the Third Circuit Appeals Court. Mangi, who would have been the first Muslim federal appellate judge, faced mounting opposition from both sides of the aisle. Schumer struck a deal with Republicans, foregoing votes on Mangi and three other appellate court nominees in exchange for confirming a dozen Biden district court nominees.

The compromise effectively ends Mangi’s nomination and opens the door for President-elect Donald Trump to fill these crucial appellate court positions upon taking office. This development marks a significant setback for the Biden administration’s judicial appointment strategy.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has withdrawn support for Third Circuit Appeals Court nominee Adeel Mangi due to opposition from some Senate Democrats over his ties to anti-police groups. In a deal with Republicans, Schumer will abandon votes for…

— The America One News (@am1_news) November 22, 2024

Controversy Surrounding Mangi’s Nomination

Mangi’s nomination was mired in controversy from the start, primarily due to his affiliations with organizations perceived as anti-police and anti-Israel. His board position with the Rutgers Center for Security, Race, and Rights, accused of anti-Israel rhetoric, raised eyebrows among lawmakers. However, it was his involvement with the Alliance of Families for Justice that proved particularly contentious.

“Mr. Mangi’s affiliation with the Alliance of Families for Justice is deeply concerning. My concern is with respect to the organization that supports individuals who kill police officers,” stated Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D., Nev.).

This sentiment was echoed by law enforcement organizations across the country, including the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police. The groups vehemently opposed Mangi’s nomination, citing his perceived support for organizations that justify Islamic terrorism and celebrate those who kill law enforcement officers.

Political Fallout and Implications

The withdrawal of Mangi’s nomination represents a rare instance of bipartisan agreement in today’s polarized political climate. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Joe Manchin, all Democrats, joined their Republican colleagues in opposing Mangi. This cross-aisle opposition ultimately forced Schumer’s hand, leading to the compromise deal.

“The trade was four circuit nominees—all lacking the votes to get confirmed—for more than triple the number of additional judges moving forward,” explained a Schumer spokesman.

While the White House and Schumer’s office have remained tight-lipped about the situation, the implications are clear. This setback for the Biden administration’s judicial nomination strategy could have far-reaching consequences for the ideological makeup of the federal judiciary.

As the dust settles on this political maneuvering, it’s evident that the scrutiny of judicial nominees’ backgrounds and affiliations will continue to play a crucial role in the confirmation process. The Mangi case serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between diversity in judicial appointments and the need for nominees to withstand rigorous vetting and broad political support.