The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is set for a shake-up as Judge Sandra Segal Ikuta prepares to assume senior status, opening up the first appellate court vacancy of Donald Trump’s second term.
Ikuta, a George W. Bush appointee who has served on the San Francisco-based court since 2006, informed the White House of her decision to transition into semi-retirement, contingent on the confirmation of a successor. This move presents Trump with an early opportunity to influence the judiciary once again, particularly on a court he has long criticized.
During his first term, Trump significantly reshaped the 9th Circuit—historically known for its liberal leanings—by appointing 10 conservative judges, shifting the balance of power. The court, which oversees cases from nine western states and two U.S. territories, now has 16 Democratic-appointed judges and 13 appointed by Republican presidents.
The 70-year-old judge has played a key role in high-profile decisions that aligned with Trump’s legal positions. In 2019, she authored a ruling that allowed the Justice Department to withhold federal funds from “sanctuary cities” that refused to comply with immigration enforcement. The following year, she led a 9th Circuit decision permitting the Trump administration to bar family planning funds from clinics that provide abortion referrals.
Ikuta’s vacancy is one of five current openings across regional federal appeals courts, with four others left unfilled during Joe Biden’s presidency. While Trump has yet to announce a nominee, the forthcoming appointment could further solidify his influence over the federal judiciary as he begins his second term.
