Trump team plans major overhaul of federal courts
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The Trump team is actively working on a strategic plan to reshape federal courts, including potential Supreme Court appointments, as part of their efforts to strengthen conservative influence in the judiciary, according to inside sources.
Mike Davis, who leads the conservative Article III Project and maintains close ties to Trump’s circle, emphasized their search for judges demonstrating unwavering constitutional dedication. While Davis confirmed sharing candidate recommendations with the administration, he kept specific names private, noting his inability to speak ahead of presidential decisions.
However, Davis has previously endorsed U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, known for dismissing Trump’s classified documents case, as a strong Supreme Court prospect.
"Other options House GOP hard-liners have been discussing include cutting off funding for the federal district court in Washington and other lower courts, and even breaking up the existing system of district and circuit courts."
Is John Roberts paying attention? He should be. https://t.co/IGfz0b9XG9
— Varad Mehta (@varadmehta) March 21, 2025
During his previous term, Trump successfully appointed three Supreme Court justices: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. With conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito now 76 and 74 respectively, speculation about potential retirements persists, though Davis believes external pressure might actually discourage such decisions. Thomas reportedly has indicated no immediate retirement plans.
Several judges have emerged as potential nominees in Trump’s judicial strategy. Florida’s Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who struck down federal mask mandates, has garnered attention. Circuit judges James Ho, Neomi Rao, and Patrick Bumatay are also under consideration, alongside Judge Lawrence VanDyke from the 9th Circuit.
Currently, about 45 federal court positions remain vacant, including a prestigious 9th Circuit seat following Judge Sandra Segal Ikuta’s upcoming senior status transition. For this position, Davis suggested former Gorsuch clerks Eric Tung and David Feder, both currently at Jones Day, as leading candidates.
Under what theory of the constitution does a single marxist judge in San Francisco have the same executive power as the Commander-in-Chief elected by the whole nation to lead the executive branch?
No such theory exists. It is merely naked judicial tyranny.
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) March 20, 2025
“We see how much the media and politicians attack the judiciary, and you need judges who will stand strong in the face of those attacks,” said Carrie Severino, Judicial Crisis Network president, highlighting Judge Kyle Duncan as an exemplary choice for his steadfast conservative record.
The administration plans to announce its initial judicial nominations by early spring, possibly presenting multiple candidates simultaneously to demonstrate their commitment to judicial reform. “This isn’t 2017,” a senior GOP Senate aide told The Post. “Trump’s got the mandate — and he’s going to get what he wants.”
