President Donald Trump has officially nominated Whitney Hermandorfer to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, marking his first judicial nomination since returning to the White House. This announcement, made late on May 1, 2025, highlights Hermandorfer's impressive legal background and her commitment to conservative legal principles.
Hermandorfer, a former co-captain of Princeton University’s women’s varsity basketball team, is currently the director of the Strategic Litigation Unit for the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. In this role, she has led significant cases involving constitutional and administrative law, particularly in high-stakes litigation that aligns with many of Trump's priorities.
Trump praised Hermandorfer in a post on Truth Social, describing her as a "fighter who will inspire confidence in our legal system." If confirmed, she would fill the vacancy left by Jane Branstetter Stranch, an Obama appointee who announced her intention to step down last year. The 6th Circuit Court, based in Cincinnati, covers Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressed strong support for Hermandorfer's nomination, stating, "The President could not have selected a better individual to be his first judicial nomination this term." Blackburn noted Hermandorfer's outstanding legal career, which includes clerking for Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Amy Coney Barrett, as well as Justice Brett Kavanaugh when he served on the D.C. Circuit. She emphasized that Hermandorfer is a fair-minded jurist who will apply the law as written.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also voiced his support, calling Hermandorfer a "lawyer’s lawyer" with an "unwavering commitment to the rule of law." Skrmetti highlighted her role in defending Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban and challenging a Biden-era rule that prohibited discrimination against transgender students under Title IX.
Russell Coleman, the Attorney General of Kentucky, praised the nomination as well, stating, "President Trump made an outstanding nomination in selecting Whitney Hermandorfer for the Sixth Circuit. She brings an all-star legal resume and a passion for public service that will benefit everyone who appears in her courtroom." Coleman noted Hermandorfer's significant contributions to legal battles concerning women's sports, aligning her work with conservative values.
Hermandorfer's nomination comes at a time when Trump is expected to make up to 100 judicial nominations during his current term. During his first term, Trump appointed 234 judges to federal courts, including three Supreme Court justices, which reshaped the judiciary into a conservative majority. President Joe Biden, in contrast, secured the confirmation of 235 federal judges during his first term, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who made history as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.
In her previous role at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C., Hermandorfer focused on appellate and administrative litigation, further solidifying her credentials as a formidable legal mind. Her work has garnered attention among conservative legal advocates, with figures like Ed Whelan from the Ethics and Public Policy Center commending Trump for making a strong choice with Hermandorfer.
Trump's judicial nominations have been a defining aspect of his presidency, and the nomination of Hermandorfer signals a continued commitment to appointing judges who align with his administration's conservative agenda. The 6th Circuit Court, where Hermandorfer would serve, has seen a shift towards a conservative majority, influenced by Trump's previous appointments and those from former President George W. Bush.
As the Senate prepares to review Hermandorfer's nomination, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. Hermandorfer's legal positions, particularly her arguments against the Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite, have positioned her as a controversial figure among progressives. During oral arguments in a Tennessee lawsuit, she articulated that Title IX does not mandate that girls share facilities or compete against boys with physical advantages, a stance that aligns with many conservative viewpoints on gender and sports.
With the backing of key Republican senators and attorneys general, Hermandorfer's confirmation process is expected to move swiftly through the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her nomination reflects a broader strategy by Trump to solidify his influence over the federal judiciary, ensuring that his legal philosophy continues to shape the courts long after his presidency.
As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on Hermandorfer and her potential impact on the 6th Circuit Court, which handles significant appeals on constitutional, civil, and administrative matters across multiple states. The outcome of her nomination could have lasting implications for legal interpretations in cases involving civil rights, gender identity, and federal authority.
In summary, Whitney Hermandorfer's nomination represents a significant moment in Trump's second term, underscoring his commitment to appointing judges who reflect his administration's values and priorities. As the Senate gears up for the confirmation hearings, the stakes are high not only for Hermandorfer but for the future of the judiciary in the United States.
