The United States Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. The confirmation passed narrowly by a vote of 53–46, marking another judicial victory for the Trump administration as it continues to shape the federal courts.

A Milestone in Trump’s Judicial Agenda

President Trump has placed a strong emphasis on judicial appointments during his time in office, continuing a strategy that began during his first term. The confirmation of Anne-Leigh Moe further solidifies his influence over the federal judiciary, particularly in a key swing state like Florida.

Trump celebrated the Senate’s decision with a post on Truth Social, describing Moe as a strong and principled advocate for law and order.

“I am pleased to announce the confirmation of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida,” the president wrote. “Anne-Leigh has fiercely served the people of Florida as a Judge on the Second District Court of Appeal and as a Trial Judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She will uphold LAW AND ORDER, unlike activist judges who put the safety of illegal criminals over the safety of Americans. Congratulations Anne-Leigh!”

The appointment was met with applause from Republican lawmakers who have championed Trump’s judicial selections as part of a broader effort to install conservative judges committed to strict constitutional interpretation and limited judicial activism.

Judge Moe brings more than two decades of experience to the federal bench. She has served on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal since 2022 and previously spent nearly a decade as a circuit judge in Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hillsborough County — one of the largest and most diverse jurisdictions in the state.

Before becoming a judge, Moe worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa, where she built a reputation for handling complex criminal prosecutions and advocating for victims’ rights.

Legal colleagues have described her as a fair-minded jurist with a meticulous approach to the law. Supporters within the Florida legal community noted that Moe’s courtroom demeanor and strong adherence to due process made her a respected figure in the state’s judiciary.

“Judge Moe has shown a consistent commitment to justice and integrity,” said Gregory Townsend, a former colleague who served with her on the Thirteenth Circuit. “She applies the law as written, not as she wishes it to be, and that’s exactly what the federal bench needs.”

A Narrow but Significant Senate Vote

The 53–46 Senate vote reflected the growing partisan divide over judicial nominations. All Republicans present voted in favor of the confirmation, while nearly all Democrats opposed it, citing concerns over Moe’s conservative record and her past rulings in criminal cases.

Democratic senators argued that Moe’s judicial philosophy aligns too closely with the Trump administration’s hardline approach to immigration and criminal sentencing. However, Republicans dismissed those criticisms as politically motivated.

“Judge Moe has an exemplary record,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “She understands the Constitution, she respects the separation of powers, and she’s committed to applying the law fairly. That’s exactly the kind of judge the American people deserve.”

The confirmation marks the fifth Trump nominee approved by the Senate since the start of his second term, reflecting the administration’s ongoing effort to fill long-standing vacancies within the federal judiciary.