Trump transformed the federal judiciary. He could push the courts further right in a second term

Supporters and opponents of a former US president agree that his first term’s cornerstone achievement will continue shaping the American legal and political landscape for decades. As president, he named 234 judicial nominees, including 54 who reshaped federal appeals courts and three who influenced the highest court in the land. There are fears that if he wins a second term, he might impose a political test on prospective judges, seeking loyalty above all. Winning in November and a Republican flip of the Senate would solidify his influence on the courts. Many allies believe that one or both of his conservative Supreme Court picks could step aside, cementing a conservative supermajority for a generation.