Judge who oversaw Biden court hearing was appointed by Trump and backed by Democrats

The federal judge who oversaw a dramatic day in court that ended with Hunter Biden's plea deal being placed on hold is a Donald Trump appointee who was confirmed with Democratic support in 2018.

District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was set to decide whether to accept a proposed plea agreement that Biden reached with prosecutors, said Wednesday she had "concerns" about seemingly linking Biden's tax plea agreement to resolving a felony gun charge. During the proceedings, prosecutors confirmed that the investigation into Biden was ongoing.

"I cannot accept the plea agreement today," Noreika said.

The parties agreed on a new deal that would not have shielded Biden from potential future charges. But Noreika wasn't satisfied, pointing specifically to how the gun deal was structured.

"What if it is unconstitutional?" she asked. "I'm trying to exercise due deliverance and consideration to make sure we don't make a misstep."

With the judge deferring on accepting the agreement, Biden entered a not guilty plea.

Noreika, a former patent lawyer in Delaware, had the support of both Democratic senators from Delaware when she was nominated by Trump. Under the Senate's so-called blue slip tradition, nominees for district court seats must have the support of the home state senators to move forward.