The White House is standing its ground in support of Adeel Mangi's nomination for the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, despite calls from Republican critics to withdraw the nomination. Mangi's ties to groups accused of antisemitism and supporting 'cop killers' have come under scrutiny, but the White House remains committed to lobbying Democratic senators for their support.
Mangi's affiliation with the Rutgers University Center for Security, Race and Rights (CSRR) has raised concerns among Republicans due to events and speakers associated with the center. Critics have pointed to controversial speakers like Hatem Bazian and Sami Al-Arian, as well as Noura Erakat, who have been featured at CSRR events.
Additionally, Mangi's involvement with the Alliance of Families for Justice (AFJ), which has ties to a founding member convicted of felony murder, has further fueled opposition to his nomination. Despite growing pressure from Republican lawmakers and ad campaigns targeting vulnerable Senate Democrats, the White House continues to support Mangi.
While some Democratic senators, including Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Joe Manchin, have expressed reservations about Mangi's nomination, the White House remains steadfast in its defense of the nominee. White House officials, including Andrew Bates and Jeff Zients, have emphasized Mangi's qualifications and the historic significance of his potential appointment as the first Muslim federal appellate court judge.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin has also voiced support for Mangi and dismissed criticisms as a smear campaign. However, the nomination's fate remains uncertain, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not yet scheduled a confirmation vote.
If the nomination is not confirmed by 2024, it will expire, requiring Mangi to be renominated in the next Congress. Despite challenges to his confirmation, the White House is determined to see Mangi appointed to the federal bench, pushing back against what they view as unfounded attacks on his character and qualifications.
As the debate over Mangi's nomination continues, the White House's unwavering support signals a determination to see the process through to its conclusion, regardless of the obstacles in the way.
