The United States Senate on Tuesday approved the nominations of two federal prosecutors from North Carolina to serve as trial judges in the federal court system, adding to the number of appointments made during President Donald Trump's second term.
In a close vote, the upper chamber confirmed David Bragdon
as a judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North
Carolina, with a result of 53 votes in favor and 45 against. Bragdon's
nomination generated moderate debate among senators, focusing on his experience
as a prosecutor and his career within the Department of Justice.
Minutes later, the Senate also approved the nomination of
Lindsey Ann Freeman, who garnered broader support with a 60-39 vote in favor. Freeman,
also a federal prosecutor, received bipartisan support due to her professional
record and reputation for her meticulous approach to highly complex cases.
With these two appointments, the total number of federal
judges confirmed during Trump's second term rises to 21, a number that
underscores his administration's emphasis on reshaping the judiciary through
strategic appointments to district and appeals courts. These confirmations also
reflect the dynamics of the Senate, where narrow majorities and timely
cross-party agreements have been crucial in the approval of judicial nominees.
