President Donald Trump is making headlines again with his recent judicial nominations, continuing a trend that marked his first term. Last week, he announced several judges for the district court in Missouri and the municipal court in Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, he nominated Whitney Hermandorfer for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which has attracted significant attention.
Hermandorfer stands out as Trump’s only nominee for a court of appeals so far, a crucial role in the federal judiciary. Courts of appeals handle the vast majority of federal cases, making them essential in shaping American law. Notably, many Supreme Court justices have previously served on these courts, highlighting their importance as a stepping stone to higher judicial positions.
Her nomination suggests that Trump is sticking to his strategy of selecting judges who are originalists and committed to upholding the rule of law. This approach has caused concern among some on the left, who fear the implications of such appointments.
Jonathan Skrmetti, the Tennessee Attorney General and Hermandorfer’s current boss, praised her as “an absolute rock star.” He emphasized her impressive credentials, noting that she has clerked for a significant number of Supreme Court justices. Hermandorfer graduated magna cum laude from Princeton and was first in her class at George Washington University Law School, where she also served as editor-in-chief of the law review.
Her experience includes clerking for Judge Richard Leon in the D.C. district court and for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the D.C. Circuit. She has also clerked for Justices Samuel Alito and Amy Coney Barrett at the Supreme Court, making her one of the most qualified nominees in recent history.
Hermandorfer has been active in the conservative legal movement and has worked under Skrmetti in the Tennessee Attorney General’s office. There, she played a key role in legal challenges against federal regulations, including issues related to Title IX and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
However, her nomination is not without controversy. Left-leaning groups have criticized her, claiming she aligns with Trump’s agenda and has a troubling record. They argue that his judicial nominees should not be trusted based on the impact of his previous appointments.
Trump’s first term saw him appoint 234 judges, one of the highest totals in history. As he begins his second term, he faces fewer vacancies than before, which may limit the number of judicial appointments he can make. Nevertheless, he is still expected to make a significant impact on the judiciary, as confirmed by Senator Mike Lee, who noted that judicial nominations will be a priority for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Hermandorfer’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for June 4, with the potential for her to be confirmed before the August recess. The stakes are high, as judicial appointments can shape legal landscapes long after a president leaves office. Trump has a chance to solidify his legacy through these nominations, and he is off to a strong start with Hermandorfer.