Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, representing Missouri in the U.S. Senate and former state Attorney General, made several statements on July 23, 2025, regarding judicial appointments and broader political concerns.

In a post published at 15:29 UTC, Schmitt announced the confirmation of two colleagues as federal judges: "Cris Stevens and Josh Divine, who worked with me in the Attorney General’s Office, were confirmed by the Senate as judges for the Eastern District of Missouri. They are excellent legal minds that will serve Missouri, and our nation, with honor and distinction for years to come." Both Stevens and Divine previously served alongside Schmitt during his tenure as Missouri's Attorney General.

Later that day at 17:32 UTC, Schmitt expressed criticism about perceived inequities in political systems. He stated: "As I said yesterday: They don't want to 'level the playing field'—they want to elevate some groups over others. It’s time to end this corrupt system once and for all."

In a separate but simultaneous post at 17:32 UTC, he further commented on motivations behind certain political actions: "They don't believe in 'democracy.' They believe in power. They don't believe in 'equality.' They believe in rigging the system for their special patronage groups—at your expense. Never forget that."

The confirmations referenced by Schmitt pertain to appointments within the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri—a federal court responsible for handling both civil and criminal cases arising under federal law within its jurisdiction.

Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate in 2022, Eric Schmitt served as Missouri's Attorney General from 2019 until his swearing-in as senator. The process of confirming federal judges involves nomination by the President followed by advice and consent from the U.S. Senate.