Just prepping for a phone call with a reporter to discuss how the Fourth Circuit changed over the course of the Trump Administration. Short answer: Not much, especially in comparison to big shift under Obama and likely big shift under Biden. (Thread)

The three new CA4 judges were: Richardson (for Shedd), Quattlebaum (for Traxler), and Rushing (for Duncan). Only the last was significant on dimensions of both age and "lean." Richardson for Shedd added younger, more conservative J., but both would likely be on same side en banc.

Traxler was right in middle, likely similar for Quattlebaum, who was also not in mold of younger, potentially transformational appointment.

Contrast with Obama's seven appointments: Davis ("vacant" MD seat), later Harris for Davis; Wynn ("vacant" NC seat); Keenan (Widener); Diaz (Wilkins); Floyd (Williams); Thacker (Michael). Big change on 15-member court. Motz/King win more en bancs, with Niemeyer dissenting.

Reputation of Fourth Circuit as "conservative" court never really updated to account for Obama transformation. But now consider likely Biden shift. 8 judges eligible to go senior: Wilkinson, Niemeyer, King, Motz, Keenan, Agee, Wynn, Floyd. Some were likely waiting for Dem. Pres.