Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unleashed criticism at fellow Republicans following a significant federal appeals court confirmation vote.
According to Newsweek, DeSantis expressed strong criticism after six Republican Senators, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, missed Monday's vote that confirmed Judge Embry Kidd to the 11th Circuit Court with a 49-45 margin.
The absence of these Republican Senators drew immediate attention, particularly given their current roles in the upcoming Trump administration. Vance and Rubio, who have been selected as Vice President and Secretary of State, respectively, maintain their voting capabilities until their January swearing-in ceremony. The confirmation marks President Joe Biden's second appointee to this federal appeals court.
DeSantis took to social media platform X to voice his disapproval, arguing that the confirmation could have been prevented if all Republican Senators had participated in the vote. He emphasized that the lifetime appointment would impact residents of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, the states under the 11th Circuit's jurisdiction.
Senator Steve Daines of Montana explained his absence through a detailed social media post, citing multiple travel complications, including an icy runway, de-icing delays, and a medical emergency that resulted in flight attendants timing out. The other absent Republicans included Senators Bill Hagerty, Mike Braun, and Steve Daines.
President-elect Donald Trump joined the criticism through his Truth Social platform, characterizing the Democratic actions as an attempt to stack courts with left-leaning judges before leaving office. He called for Republican Senators to prevent further confirmations until Inauguration Day.
Vice President-elect Vance defended his absence in a now-deleted social media post, arguing that his presence would not have altered the outcome. He explained that even with full Republican attendance, Democratic Senator John Fetterman could have ensured the nomination's success.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk supported Vance's position, highlighting his crucial role as co-chair of the transition team. Kirk suggested that Vance's focus on shaping the incoming administration took precedence over Senate votes.
Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project and Trump ally, expressed strong criticism of the absentee senators, emphasizing their fundamental duty to participate in votes. The controversy highlighted the tension between current Senate responsibilities and transition period priorities.
Judge Kidd's confirmation represents Biden's 45th circuit court appointment, and the 246th federal judge confirmed during his presidency. The judge has served as a U.S. magistrate since 2019 and has worked as a federal prosecutor in Florida.
Senate Judiciary Committee chair Richard Durbin praised Kidd's confirmation, as stated:
Judge Kidd's experience in private practice and public service, in addition to his experience as a magistrate judge, has prepared him to serve with distinction on the federal bench. I congratulate Judge Kidd on becoming the 45th circuit court judge confirmed under the Biden-Harris administration, and the latest example of the Senate Judiciary Committee advancing highly qualified nominees to bring balance to the federal judiciary.
The confirmation fills the vacancy created by Judge Charles Wilson's announcement to take senior status in January. Four other federal appellate nominees currently await Senate confirmation for various circuit courts across the country.
The confirmation of Judge Embry Kidd to the 11th Circuit Court has intensified the political discourse between Republican leadership and absent GOP Senators. The 49-45 vote occurred despite notable absences from key Republican figures, including future Trump administration officials JD Vance and Marco Rubio. As the Biden administration approaches its conclusion, four additional federal appellate nominees await Senate confirmation, potentially setting the stage for similar political confrontations.
