Alliance for Justice

04/20/2026

Justin Smith, Trump’s personal lawyer who he has nominated to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, joined other nominees in only confirming that President Biden was “certified” as the winner, but Smith isn’t just toeing the line. We know Smith is a Trump true believer because he actually tried to help overturn the 2020 election.

Judicial Nominee Tracker Judicial Nominee Tracker In an era of unprecedented judicial polarization and political influence, AFJ’s research into federal judicial nominees serves as a crucial line of defense for democracy, the rule of law, and civil rights.

04/17/2026

Trump nominated judge fails law school 101? Tony Mattivi doesn't seem to know basic discrimination law.

04/16/2026

Senator Adam Schiff is exactly right that Trump loyalist Justin Smith is trying to hide his shocking views.

04/16/2026

Why can't Trump's lawyer simply answer Senator Dick Durbin's very straightforward question of who won the 2020 election?

04/16/2026

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse did an amazing job of connecting Leonard Leo’s network directly to Eighth Circuit Court nominee Justin Smith.

04/15/2026

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to consider the Eighth Circuit nomination of Justin Smith.

Today’s hearing further revealed how dangerously unfit Smith is to receive a lifetime appointment on a powerful federal appeals court.

Our statement:

Judicial Nominee Tracker Judicial Nominee Tracker In an era of unprecedented judicial polarization and political influence, AFJ’s research into federal judicial nominees serves as a crucial line of defense for democracy, the rule of law, and civil rights.

04/15/2026

Today, Justin Smith faces the Senate.

Trump’s personal lawyer is seeking a lifetime appointment to the federal bench — one that could shape our rights for decades.

This is bigger than one hearing. It’s about who gets justice — and who doesn’t.

The Senate must reject him. And we need to make sure they do.

📢 Speak out. Take action. Protect our courts.

04/14/2026

“Trump clearly cares about protecting himself over the rule of law or the Constitution, so he picks those loyal to his cause who will enable his authoritarian behavior." – Christine Chen Zinner, AFJ Federal Research and Advocacy Director

President Donald Trump is repeatedly turning to his personal legal teams to fill seats on the federal appeals courts.

04/14/2026

Justin Smith isn’t just a nominee — he’s a threat to our courts.

A lifetime appointment means lifetime consequences.
The Senate must reject him. And we need to make sure they do.

📢 Take action. Speak out. Protect our courts.

04/14/2026

Justin Smith is a Trump true believer who demonstrates unfettered loyalty to him. His biased statements show he doesn't possess the judicial independence necessary to preside over a federal court that covers seven states. The Senate must reject his nomination.

04/14/2026

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04/10/2026

"27 of the 51 judges on the 9th Circuit actually wrote that Judge VanDyke's crude and vitriolic language made them sound like juveniles, not judges, and it undermines public trust in the courts. And ultimately, that's what this is about, right?" – AFJ President Rachel Rossi

President Trump has an opportunity to add to his legacy on federal judges by filling more key vacancies this year.