President Donald Trump announced Wednesday his selection of Justin Smith, an attorney who defended him in several major legal battles, to serve as a federal judge on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis.
Smith previously represented the president in the presidential immunity case that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as in the E. Jean Carroll litigation where a jury determined Trump was responsible for sexual abuse and defamation.
According to Smith’s professional profile, he has held multiple legal positions throughout Missouri, including deputy counsel to the governor and deputy attorney general handling special litigation matters.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “Justin also played a BIG role in securing a Supreme Court Landmark Victory on Presidential Immunity. He is a true America First Fighter, who will continue to deliver strong results for the American People.”
The Supreme Court decision in 2024 determined that Trump could not face prosecution for actions taken within his presidential authority during his initial term in office, despite facing criminal charges related to his first presidency.
Trump simultaneously announced three additional judicial nominations for Kansas federal district court positions on Wednesday: Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell, Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, and Jeffrey Kuhlman.
The president commended these nominees for their dedication to upholding the U.S. Constitution.
Requests for comment from Smith, Kuhlman, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Kansas attorney general’s office went unanswered.
Since beginning his second presidential term, Trump has put forward more than 40 individuals for federal district and appeals court positions nationwide.
