Trump’s Next Supreme Court Picks: Who’s on the Shortlist?

Rumors abound about who could be on former President Donald Trump’s next Supreme Court shortlist, sparking intense speculation within conservative circles.

At a Glance

Trump’s potential Supreme Court nominees are under scrutiny, with a strong focus on extreme conservative legal figures.
In his 2016 campaign, Trump worked with the Federalist Society to compile a list of conservative judges.
There is talk of Trump releasing an updated list for his next term, featuring judges like Amul Thapar, James Ho, and Barbara Lagoa.
Several potential candidates are reportedly on Trump’s radar including Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Lee.

Trump Revisits Supreme Court Nominations

Donald Trump may soon unveil his next Supreme Court shortlist, stirring discussions among political and judicial observers. Sources say Trump’s list might feature judges with a steadfast originalist and textualist approach to the Constitution. During his 2016 campaign, Trump created a list with the help of the Federalist Society, which led to the appointments of Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

If Trump secures another presidential term, his selections will likely emerge from the extreme conservative legal movement. Such appointments could significantly influence American policies and governance for decades, given the enduring impact of Supreme Court decisions.

A New Approach to Shortlisting

Trump, disillusioned by what he perceives as the conservative legal establishment’s failure to support his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, might now consider candidates with different credentials. Federalist Society alumni, once deemed essential for judicial appointments, are perceived with caution in Trump’s current circle.

“If Donald Trump wins the White House this fall and has a chance to appoint a Supreme Court justice or two in the years that follow—by no means a certain prospect, but one that must be contemplated—his nominees are likely to be quite different than they were during his first term,“ writes Jay Willis in the New York Times.

Trump intends to release a new list soon, possibly within weeks or months. Analysts believe this list might comprise individuals Trump has previously appointed to lower courts or those holding strong conservative records in non-judicial capacities.

Potential Candidates on the Horizon

Current speculation suggests that Trump’s list could include notable figures such as Judge Amul Thapar, Judge James Ho, Judge Gregory Katsas, and Judge Barbara Lagoa. Other possible names are Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Lee, reflective of Trump’s broader selection strategy, which now transcends traditional judicial circles.

“During the 2016 presidential campaign, Mr. Trump joined forces with the Federalist Society co-chairman Leonard Leo, who helped assemble a shortlist of conservative judges from which Mr. Trump pledged to select a replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia.”

Furthermore, the unofficial list features professionals like Kate Comerford Todd and Judge Lawrence Van Dyke, each recognized for their distinct judicial philosophies. The potential implications of appointing such figures include reshaping American jurisprudence regarding voting rights, healthcare, and environmental regulations.

A Look into Historical Patterns

Reflecting on Trump’s previous appointments offers insights into his judicial selection process. His first term saw the appointment of relatively younger judges with formidable credentials, deviating from past administrations. Trump’s rigorous and professional selection approach has filled numerous vacancies left from blockages faced during President Obama’s term.

“The next president is likely to have two new Supreme Court nominees. Two more. He’s already appointed two that have been very negative in terms of rights of individuals,”

Analysts caution that any new Trump Supreme Court appointee could accelerate conservative shifts in law and governance, potentially affecting legislative areas hampered by Congressional stagnation. The anticipatory release of Trump’s shortlist will undoubtedly set the stage for another fervent judicial discourse, shaping the country’s future legal landscape.