Judge Wynn Retracts Senior Status Decision

U.S. Circuit Judge James Wynn, appointed by Obama to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, retracted his decision to take senior status, thereby preventing President-elect Donald Trump from filling his seat. His reversal, announced in a letter to President Biden, has provoked strong criticism from Senate Republicans, especially Thom Tillis, who labeled the move as 'brazenly partisan' and a 'slap in the face' to the bipartisan agreement that delayed Wynn's replacement nomination until January. This decision is part of a broader trend where other Democratic-appointed judges have similarly rescinded retirement plans following Trump's election, sparking accusations of politicizing the judiciary. This move follows the withdrawal of Biden's nominee, Ryan Park, due to insufficient Senate support, part of a deal allowing other Biden judicial nominees to advance. Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, have suggested potential ethics complaints and recusal demands for Wynn following this controversial decision.