Ted Cruz will oppose Trump's legal bid

Senator Ted Cruz will oppose Halil Suleyman "Sul" Ozerden, President Donald Trump's candidate for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, is a major setback for the candidacy.

Cruz (R-Texas) has informed the White House and his colleagues this week that he would oppose Ozerden, according to three people close to the internal dynamics of the Judiciary Committee. This conservative opposition casts doubt on the future of Ozerden, who is a close friend of the White House acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, whose appointment pushed aside the objections of White House Council.

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"For a lifetime position at the court of appeal, I think we should look for someone with a solid and demonstrated record as a constitutional expert. I am very concerned that Judge Ozerden's criminal record does not indicate that he meets that standard. For this reason, I do not believe that he should be part of the court of appeal and I will oppose his appointment, "Cruz said in a statement.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing for Ozerden but n & # 39; not yet required to vote in committee. Republicans are divided as to whether it will go ahead: some think the White House may have to withdraw its candidacy, others want to pass it despite Conservatives' reservations about Ozerden .

Other undecided senators are digging into the nomination. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Met Ozerden on Thursday morning and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) was scheduled to meet him in the afternoon, according to people familiar with the meetings. (. R-La) Senator John Kennedy said that A & # 39; he was undecided on the appointment.

As a district judge, Ozerden endorsed the Obama administration's rejection of an appeal against the contraceptive coverage mandate of the Affordable Care Act, considering it was premature. Senate Republicans have expressed concern over Ozerden's decision in 2012.

Unlike most other Trump magistrates, Ozerden lacks explicit support from conservative justice groups such as the Judicial Crisis Network. Carrie Severino, the group's chief counsel, wrote last year that "we could do better than Judge Ozerden" in Mississippi.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Declined to comment on Ozerden, just like the White House.

The Trump and McConnell administration made confirmation judges a top priority by winning their 150th confirmation for life on Wednesday. But these successes are sometimes marred by setbacks, and Ozerden is not the only candidate for the judiciary to be suspended.

Steven Menashi, a candidate for the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal, Wednesday frustrated senators from both parties when he was questioned about his writings as well as his refusal to answer questions about his role in shaping politics of White House immigration. Menashi is currently Associate Attorney of the President and has served as an attorney at the Department of Education with Betsy DeVos.