Trump makes first judicial nom of second term and critics of men in women's sports will be thrilled

Washington D.C.: President Donald Trump announced his first judicial nomination since returning to office, selecting Tennessee attorney Whitney Hermandorfer for a seat on the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The Cincinnati-based court handles cases from four states, including Tennessee.

Who is Whitney Hermandorfer?

Hermandorfer, currently serving in Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office, previously clerked for three Supreme Court conservatives — Justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh. She defended Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban and challenged Biden administration policies on transgender student protections.

"Whitney is a Fighter who will inspire confidence in our Legal System," Trump posted on Truth Social.

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The vacancy arose after President Joe Biden’s nominee, Karla Campbell, failed to secure confirmation amid opposition from Tennessee’s GOP senators. A pre-election Senate deal shelved Campbell’s nomination along with three other appellate picks.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) praised Hermandorfer’s nomination, citing her "brilliant legal mind" and pledging to "work tirelessly" for her confirmation.

Trump appointed 234 judges in his first term, including three Supreme Court justices. There are over 100 potential vacancies that Trump could fill in his second term.

If confirmed, Hermandorfer would replace Judge Jane Stranch, an Obama appointee who shifted to semi-retired "senior status". The 6th Circuit currently has seven Republican-appointed judges and five Democratic-appointed ones.