December 16, 2024policy changefederal judiciaryjudicial vacanciesjudiciarygovernmentseparation of powers
Wynn rescinds his retirement to deny Trump a Fourth Circuit seat
Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn, an Obama appointee, reversed his plan to take senior status after the Senate deal killed Ryan Park's nomination to succeed him. By staying in full active service, Wynn kept Trump from filling the seat. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called the move literally unprecedented.