President Donald Trump on Friday, May 2, 2025, announced the nomination of Whitney Hermandorfer to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, sparking political debates over judicial direction and conservative ideology.
Trump made the announcement through a statement on his Truth Social platform.
He described Hermandorfer as a “fighter” and praised her legal background, highlighting her role in pushing back against federal government overreach.
Trump said Hermandorfer’s legal record proves she values the US Constitution and upholds conservative judicial principles.
“She has a long history of working for judges and justices who respect the rule of law,” Trump stated.
Hermandorfer has served in Tennessee’s Attorney General’s Office, where she took on federal overreach cases.
Trump also noted her background clerking for Justice Samuel Alito and two other Supreme Court justices appointed during his first term.
The U.S president emphasized Hermandorfer’s leadership skills, referencing her time as co-captain of the Princeton University Women’s Basketball Team.
“She is a staunch defender of girls’ and women’s sports,” Trump added, appealing to conservative concerns about gender and athletics.
He concluded by praising her resolve: “Whitney is a fighter who will inspire confidence in our legal system.”
However, the announcement has triggered reactions across political lines, with conservatives applauding the nomination and liberals raising concerns about ideological leanings.
Observers say her nomination may face scrutiny from Democratic senators, especially over her stance on federal authority and gender in sports.
Hermandorfer’s nomination to the Sixth Circuit, which covers Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio, will go through Senate confirmation.
Notable facts about Whitney Hermandorfer
Hermandorfer is a native of Tennessee. She graduated from Princeton University and earned her law degree from George Washington University Law School.
Career highlight
Hermandorfer currently serves as the Director of the Strategic Litigation Unit in the Tennessee Attorney General’s office.
Her notable cases include defending Tennessee’s abortion laws and challenging federal regulations. Previously, she worked at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C., focusing on appellate and administrative law litigation.
Judicial clerkships
Throughout her career, Hermandorfer has clerked for prominent judges, including:
- Justice Samuel Alito at the US Supreme Court
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett at the US Supreme Court
- Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals
If approved, she would significantly impact rulings on key issues such as reproductive rights, administrative power, and civil liberties.
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