Trump Nominates Two Federal Judges in Latest Legal Push
A pair of judicial nominations dominated Trump’s latest Truth Social posts, as he announced Todd Butler for the Fifth Circuit and Philip Aubart for a federal court in North Carolina. In both cases, he framed the picks as defenders of law enforcement and the constitutional order, while also highlighting the backing of GOP senators in each state. The announcements fit a familiar pattern of using court appointments to signal conservative priorities and reward loyal Republican networks.
Federal Judicial Nominations
LegalTrump announced two federal judicial nominees: Todd Butler for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Philip Aubart for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. He emphasized their legal credentials, prior clerkships, and support from Republican senators in their states.
These nominations matter because federal judges can shape policy long after a presidency ends, especially on issues ranging from criminal justice to administrative power. Trump’s messaging again ties judicial selection to “law and order,” a phrase meant to reassure conservative voters that his picks will be reliably ideological without sounding overtly partisan. The references to home-state senators also serve a political purpose: they underscore Republican unity and project competence in the basic machinery of governance, not just campaign combat.
"Todd is currently a Partner at Phelps Dunbar in Jackson, Mississippi. He has argued numerous times before the Fifth Circuit"
"North Carolina can count on Phil to protect Law and Order — He will not let you down."