Adeel Mangi’s judicial nomination to the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals was withdrawn after facing serious controversies and strong opposition.
At a Glance
- Adeel Mangi’s nomination was withdrawn due to lack of support.
- Opposition centered on Mangi’s alleged ties to controversial organizations.
- A deal was made to advance other judicial nominees instead.
- Mangi’s potential historic appointment was overshadowed by controversy.
Nomination Withdrawn Amid Controversies
President Joe Biden’s nomination of Adeel Mangi for the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals faced withdrawal after significant opposition. Mangi’s alleged connections to organizations criticized as anti-police and antisemitic sparked concern among law enforcement and Senate Democrats. Accusations included Mangi supporting organizations that justify Islamic terrorism and celebrate those who kill law enforcement officers.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer abandoned Mangi’s confirmation due to resistance from some Senate Democrats. As a result of a negotiated settlement, votes on Mangi and three other nominees were forsaken in exchange for confirming a dozen of Biden’s district court nominees. The deal provides future opportunities for President-elect Donald Trump to fill these appellate court positions.
It’s long past time for the Biden Administration to withdraw the nomination of Adeel Mangi. Law enforcement officers across the country have been sounding the alarm on Mr. Mangi’s radical affiliations. I’m glad that members of nation’s largest police union have decided to back…
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) March 28, 2024
Controversial Affiliations Spark Backlash
Mangi’s nomination drew criticism for his affiliations with anti-police and anti-Israel groups, including a board position with the Rutgers Center for Security, Race, and Rights. His role with the Alliance of Families for Justice, which supports individuals who have killed police officers, was particularly contentious.
The opposition was driven by both Democrats and Republicans. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Joe Manchin voiced dissent, while Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans, led by Lindsey Graham, criticized Mangi’s potential radical influence. Law enforcement organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, also opposed Mangi.
NEW:
'Lacking the Votes': Chuck Schumer abandons embattled judicial nominee ADEEL MANGI, whom some Dems opposed over anti-police ties uncovered by @FreeBeacon.
Colossal blunder for White House, which could have pulled the nomination months ago. https://t.co/h8In4pEsCk
— Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) November 22, 2024
Judicial Appointment Process and Implications
The withdrawal of Mangi’s nomination highlights the complexities of judicial appointments, where personal affiliations can derail confirmations. A schism within the Senate showcased the delicate balance of endorsing judges whose histories align with broader judicial principles. Although the White House and Schumer’s office did not comment on the situation, the deal struck indicates a focus on navigating the political landscape efficiently.
“Democrats have finally acknowledged the reality that Senator Graham has been talking about for months. Adeel Mangi is simply too radical to be confirmed to a lifetime seat on the bench.” – Emily Flower, spokeswoman for Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans
Mangi’s case illustrates the challenges faced by judicial nominees with perceived controversial backgrounds. The Senate, overarching its authority in confirming federal judges, must weigh both professional qualifications and broader societal influences before nominations are approved.
