AFJ Calls for Vigilance as a Second Trump Presidency Threatens Democratic Norms

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 6, 2024 – Donald Trump has been elected president, and his second administration poses a grave threat to civil rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Trump’s first four years of gutting our rights and protections, let alone the enduring impact of his Supreme Court and lower court judges, paint the bleak picture of jeopardy we face. Now with Project 2025 in tow, a second Trump administration could even more significantly undermine the justice system. This includes possibly appointing successors to Justices Thomas (age 76) and Alito (age 74) if they retire and adding even more unqualified extremists to the lower courts. He will likewise have the opportunity to test the immunity the Court has granted him while ignoring any efforts to reform the Court’s corruption and extremism.

Trump will this time inherit a smaller number of judicial nominations, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still add many more Matthew Kacsmaryks and Aileen Cannons to the bench while promoting those he appointed during his first term.

It is imperative that the current Senate reduce that number as much as possible by confirming every judicial nominee still pending. The lame duck will be the last opportunity to add judges to the bench who bring diverse backgrounds and solid commitments to equality under the law.

Alliance for Justice Interim Co-President Keith Thirion issued the following statement:

“It is a dark day for our democracy as we face another four years under an openly fascist President Trump. The damage he can do to our courts will be felt for generations. One need look no further than the people who have died after being denied abortion care in a post-Dobbs world or the gutted EPA protections for clean air and water to see the consequences of the judges and justices Trump has already appointed.

“It is more important than ever that democracy defenders unite to resist the most egregious abuses of power Trump will no doubt attempt. We must be vigilant to oppose every effort to add judicial nominees who will continue harming people across the country and undermining our democracy and the rule of law. We must brace ourselves for Supreme Court vacancy fights and do everything we can to prevent the Court’s conservative supermajority from becoming a Trump supermajority. We must defend our movements from politically motivated attacks on our very right to advocate. It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of the justice system as we know it is on the line.

“We put our faith now in the power of people coming together and critical state protections to resist a fascist federal takeover. As always, Alliance for Justice will be on the front lines helping to build progressive power and fighting for justice in and out of our courts.”