Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Anne-Leigh Moe As U.S. District Judge

The U.S. Senate has taken another step toward reshaping the federal judiciary under President Donald J. Trump, advancing the confirmation of judicial nominee Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The chamber voted 53–46 to move forward with Moe’s confirmation, signaling continued momentum for the administration’s effort to install judges committed to constitutional principles and the rule of law.

“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve as Judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida,” Trump wrote.

“Anne-Leigh has fiercely advocated for Sunshine State residents as a Judge on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals, and as Trial Judge on Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Anne-Leigh will prioritize LAW AND ORDER unlike other activist Judges who put the safety of Illegal Criminals over the safety of AMERICANS. Congratulations Anne-Leigh!” Trump added.

Moe brings years of judicial experience to the federal bench. Since 2022, she has served on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal, following nearly a decade as a circuit judge in the state’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hillsborough County. Earlier in her career, she worked as an assistant state attorney in Tampa, building a record focused on public safety and prosecution.

Her advancement marks another key victory for the Trump administration as it continues to fill critical vacancies across the federal court system with jurists aligned with originalist and law-and-order philosophies.

In a separate announcement, President Trump revealed a major shift in his administration’s public health leadership, nominating Nicole Saphier to serve as the next U.S. surgeon general after withdrawing the stalled nomination of Casey Means.

“I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Dr. Nicole B. Saphier to be the next SURGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Trump praised Saphier’s extensive medical background, particularly her work in cancer detection and patient advocacy.

“Nicole is a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment while tirelessly advocating to increase early cancer detection and prevention,” Trump said.

He also highlighted her communication skills as a major asset for the role.

“She is also an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR, who makes complicated health issues more easily understood by all Americans,” Trump said.

Saphier currently serves as director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in New Jersey and is widely recognized for her media presence, frequently appearing on Fox News and Fox Business to break down complex medical issues for the public.

The change in nomination follows months of resistance to Casey Means, whose candidacy drew scrutiny over her medical credentials and policy positions. President Trump did not hold back in assigning blame, calling out Sen. Bill Cassidy for obstructing the process.

“Hopefully all of the Great Republican People of Louisiana… will be voting Bill Cassidy OUT OF OFFICE in the upcoming Republican Primary!” Trump wrote.

Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, wields significant influence over health-related nominations, making his opposition particularly consequential.

Now, Saphier steps into the spotlight as the administration pushes forward with its broader health agenda—focused on prevention, transparency, and rebuilding public trust in American medical institutions.

If confirmed, she would assume one of the nation’s most visible public health roles, serving as the federal government’s leading voice on medical issues and national health challenges.

Together, the judicial advancement and high-profile health nomination underscore the administration’s continued push to shape both the courts and public policy in line with its core priorities—law and order, institutional reform, and a renewed focus on American interests.