Key Takeaways:
– Federalist Society President, Eugene Meyer, announced his retirement in June and is sticking around until a suitable replacement is found.
– The Federalist Society has significantly shaped right-wing policies and judiciary appointments, specifically during Trump’s first term.
– The future leader of the Federalist Society will likely have a significant impact on the country’s legal landscape, correlating with the Society’s direction.
– Six of the nine Supreme Court justices were appointed by GOP presidents, underlining the influence of the Society.
– Potential successors for Meyer’s position include Robert Alt, Michael Fragoso, and Ryan Newman.
The announcement of President Eugene Meyer’s retirement triggered a hunt for new leadership within the Federalist Society. As the president announced in early June, he plans to remain in his post until a suitable successor comes forward.
Federalist Society’s Influence on the Right
Over the course of several decades with Meyer at the helm, the Federalist Society has grown into a right-wing powerhouse. Massive funding and robust alliances within all branches of the government have enabled the group to handpick judiciary appointments for federal judgeships.
This influence was particularly evident during former President Donald Trump’s first term in office. The organization played a substantial role in selecting his Cabinet and shaping administrative agencies. It acted as almost a shadow presidency, highlighting its significant influence on the right.
Impact of the Future Leadership
Meyer’s successor will undoubtedly shape the future of the Federalist Society, indicating the direction the organization is heading next. Given Meyer’s success in bridging the institutional conservatives with the more aggressive factions within the conservative legal movement, the next president will have big shoes to fill.
With Trump planning for another term, and being an unquestioning enabler of the Society’s plans, the future leader’s impact will be substantial.
Shift of Power in the Supreme Court
The Federalist Society has played a prominent role in the Supreme Court’s shift to the far right. Six of the nine justices appointed to the High Court were chosen by GOP Presidents, including Trump’s three appointments: Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett.
Contenders for the Leadership Position
As Meyer prepares to step down, five candidates supposedly contend for becoming his successor. Among them, we find Robert Alt, the current president and CEO of the Buckeye Institute, and a National Review columnist. Another contender is Michael Fragoso, former chief counsel on nominations for the Senate Judiciary Committee, followed by Ryan Newman, chief counsel to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The choice of the new president will indicate the direction the Federalist Society is taking. Depending on their policy views and work experience, their leadership could spark concern for those advocating bodily autonomy, public health, safety, and moves toward a more just and equitable society.
As the search for new leadership continues, only time will tell who will step up to fill Meyer’s shoes and shape the Federalist Society’s future. Until then, policy and judicial decisions across the country will undoubtedly anticipate who takes the lead of this influential organization.