The U.S. Senate confirmed Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe as a federal judge for the Middle District of Florida in a narrow 53–46 vote. A nominee of President Donald Trump, Moe previously served on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal since 2022 and spent nearly a decade as a circuit judge in Hillsborough County. Early in her career, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa, gaining recognition for handling complex criminal cases and advocating for victims’ rights.
Trump praised Moe on Truth Social as a “strong and principled advocate for law and order,” while Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, called her a fair and disciplined jurist. Democrats and progressive groups expressed concern that her conservative judicial philosophy could influence rulings on immigration, civil rights, and criminal sentencing.
Moe’s confirmation marks Trump’s fifth judicial appointment of his second term, reinforcing his ongoing effort to shape the federal judiciary. She will preside over cases in Florida’s busiest federal district, covering Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, with decisions expected to carry significant legal impact.
