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Great Bend Today
By the People, for the People
Trump Plans to Nominate Personal Lawyer Smith to Eighth Circuit
The president also announced three trial court picks for Kansas.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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President Donald Trump plans to nominate his personal attorney, Justin Smith, to the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, along with three trial court picks for Kansas. Smith is currently representing Trump in a high-profile civil lawsuit and is described by the president as a "true America First Fighter."
Why it matters
The nomination of Trump's personal lawyer to a federal appeals court seat raises concerns about judicial independence and the politicization of the judiciary. The Eighth Circuit covers several Midwestern states, and this nomination could have significant implications for the region.
The details
Smith is the counsel of record in Trump's request for the US Supreme Court to overturn a sexual abuse and defamation judgment against the president. Trump praised Smith as a "true America First Fighter" who will "continue to deliver strong results for the American people." Smith previously served as chief of staff and first assistant in the Missouri Attorney General's Office when Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) held the post. The president also announced plans to nominate three trial court judges for the District of Kansas.
- On February 19, 2026, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Justin Smith to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The players
Justin Smith
Trump's personal attorney who is currently representing the president in a high-profile civil lawsuit. Smith previously served in the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
Donald Trump
The 47th President of the United States, who plans to nominate his personal lawyer Justin Smith to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
E. Jean Carroll
A writer who filed a civil lawsuit against Trump for sexual abuse and defamation, which is currently pending before the US Supreme Court.
Eric Schmitt
A Republican senator from Missouri who previously served as the state's Attorney General, during which time Justin Smith worked in the office.
Tony Mattivi
Nominated by Trump to serve as a trial court judge in the District of Kansas. Mattivi is currently the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and a former federal prosecutor.
What they’re saying
“He is a true America First Fighter, who will continue to deliver strong results for the American people.”
— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Truth Social)
What’s next
The Senate will need to confirm Smith's nomination to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The three trial court nominations for Kansas will also require Senate confirmation.
The takeaway
The nomination of Trump's personal lawyer to a federal appeals court seat raises concerns about the politicization of the judiciary and the potential for conflicts of interest. This move could have significant implications for the Eighth Circuit and the Midwestern states it covers.
