Fact Check: "13 of 15 Maryland judges were appointed by Democratic presidents."
What We Know
The claim that "13 of 15 Maryland judges were appointed by Democratic presidents" is supported by multiple sources. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which consists of 15 federal judges, has a significant majority of its judges appointed by Democratic presidents. Specifically, 13 judges were nominated by Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, or Joe Biden, all of whom are Democrats. Only two judges were appointed by Republican presidents: one by Donald Trump and the other by George W. Bush (Washington Post [source-1], USA Today [source-3]).
Analysis
The credibility of the sources confirming this claim is high, as they are reputable news organizations that have reported on the composition of the Maryland federal judiciary in the context of a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against these judges. The Washington Post [source-1] and USA Today [source-3] both provide detailed accounts of the judges' appointments and the political implications of their rulings against the Trump administration's policies.
Additionally, the Baltimore Sun [source-7] corroborates this information, noting that Democrats have relied on these courts to challenge Trump’s policies, further emphasizing the political landscape of the Maryland judiciary.
While the claim is straightforward, it is essential to consider the context in which these judges operate. The political affiliations of judges can influence their rulings, but it is also crucial to recognize that judges are expected to uphold the law impartially, regardless of their appointing president's party affiliation.
Conclusion
The claim that "13 of 15 Maryland judges were appointed by Democratic presidents" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the vast majority of federal judges in Maryland were indeed appointed by Democratic presidents, reflecting a significant partisan composition in this judicial district.
Sources
- Trump administration sues every federal judge in Maryland - The Washington Post
- DOJ sues Maryland federal judges over order blocking deportations - USA Today
- Trump Admin Sues Maryland Federal Judges Over Order Blocking Deportations - Newsmax
- Trump administration sues all 15 Maryland federal judges over order - CNN
- Dems counting on Maryland federal courts to block Trump policies - Baltimore Sun