Two Republican senators from Arkansas, with Democrats about seven weeks from taking over the Senate, have decided this is the moment to sit on one of President Trump's last appeals court picks… because they wanted somebody else.
Let me explain what is going on. Trump nominated U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky to the Eighth Circuit, and according to judicial nominations insiders, John Boozman and Tom Cotton are working against him because they preferred Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland for the seat. Nobody, on either side, is questioning Rudofsky's record or his qualifications… they just wanted their guy.
When he had his hearing in September, his own home state senators did not even introduce him, which almost never happens, and this week Boozman put out a statement saying he continues to "appreciate Judge Rudofsky's service in the Eastern District of Arkansas." Translation… stay where you are. The Judiciary Committee vote is set for November 17, and if they get their way it never moves.
Rob Luther, who worked judicial nominations in the White House Counsel's Office in Trump's first term, says Boozman is standing in the way of the first Trump-majority circuit court. Mike Davis called it an unforgivable sin for Boozman and Cotton. And they are right. You do not get to lose the majority, burn the last weeks you have on a turf fight over who gets the robe, and then go home and tell Arkansas voters you stood with the President.
How is this even a thing? The voters just told you they are done with a Senate that does nothing, and the first thing you do with your final weeks of power is protect a favor? Make no mistake, it is not Democrats standing in the way of this nomination, it is Republicans, and they are doing it quietly hoping none of you notice.
I have watched this movie for years. The cool kids club takes care of its own and the people who put them there get the bill.
@JohnBoozman @SenTomCotton, move the nomination. Seven weeks. Let him through and stop playing games with the bench.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
🚨 UPDATE: Arkansas GOP Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman are being accused of BLOCKING one of President Trump's final appeals court nominees, Judge Lee Rudofsky
Wtf? LET HIM THROUGH!
Judicial nominations insiders say the two are opposing Rudofsky's Eighth Circuit nomination because they want a different pick: Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland, per Bloomberg
Attorney Mike Davis: "This is an unforgivable sin for Boozman and Cotton." @mrddmia
Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are accused of "doing their bidding" on the Judiciary Committee 😠
TRUMP IS CLEAR: DO NOT LEAVE ANY VACANCIES FOR THE DEMS.
CONFIRM NOW.
Nov 10, 2026 · 7:11 PM UTC
You worthless assholes are why I’m leaving the Party. I hope your family realises you’re an American traitor and you have hung that on their legacies as well.
I’m here in Arkansas. The reset state in the union. Our elected officials are perfect. You are out of line criticizing any republican from AR
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I’m already excited to primary @JohnBoozman in 2026! It was unfortunate that @TomCottonAR didn’t have a strong republican candidate running against him during his primary. But both of them better get their hurt feelings over this judge issue dealt with and confirm everyone that comes through!
Neither @JohnBoozman nor @SenTomCotton will get re-Elected in Arkansas. They screwed Arkansans.
Damnit, @SenBoozman and @SenTomCotton !! I have always voted for you both, but why the hell are you still obstructing. You only have until January to get 2 years worth of work done. GET IT DONE!!!
@TomCottonAR @Boozman4AR
Stop the political games and get Trumps nominee’s approved or don’t come back to Arkansas. You will be primaried
@JohnBoozman @TomCottonAR , the American people have really have had enough of this party. You have no shame.
at this point there's nothing @JohnBoozman or
@SenTomCotton can do to get me to vote for either them again.
@TomCottonAR @JohnBoozman are two of the worst at supporting the Trump agenda, regardless of their no vote here. I voted for Cotton in this last election but I did so holding my nose for sure.
Sen Tom Cotton and Sen John Boozman - It’s time to put your political games aside and vote for President Trump ‘s nominee Judge Lee Rudofsky.
Do the job that Americans elected you to do - support the President’s agenda and make America great again. We voted you into office to help President Trump implement his plan to make America a better place for its citizens. Stop the game playing and get to work. Time is running out.
@gopsenate Doing nothing except for yourselves. You are not fit to be a senator. Get over yourselves and work for the American citizens!!
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