Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Anne-Leigh Moe As U.S. District Judge

The United States Senate voted 53–46 to advance the confirmation of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Trump praised the decision on his Truth Social account, highlighting Moe’s legal experience and her focus on law and order.

Moe has served as a judge on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal since 2022. Prior to that role, she spent nearly ten years as a circuit judge in the Florida Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Hillsborough County. Earlier in her career, she worked as an assistant state attorney in Tampa, building extensive experience in Florida’s legal system.

Her confirmation is considered another judicial victory for the Trump administration as it continues filling vacancies across federal courts. At the same time, political analysts say the ongoing government shutdown has not significantly damaged Trump’s public approval ratings. According to analysis discussed by Harry Enten of CNN, Trump’s net approval rating has actually increased slightly during the current shutdown.

Enten compared the situation with the 2018–2019 shutdown during Trump’s first presidency, when his approval rating declined noticeably. In contrast, current polling suggests fewer Americans blame Trump for the present funding standoff.

Meanwhile, disagreements in United States Congress continue over government spending. Democrats want any funding deal to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, while Republicans have resisted those conditions. With narrow party margins in Congress, resolving the shutdown will likely require bipartisan support.