Full Breakdown
Trump Lawyer Confirmed to Eighth Circuit Amid Democratic Absences
6/17/2026, 2:37:37 AM
Narrow Confirmation Secures John Smith's Seat on the Eighth Circuit
John Smith was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which reviews federal district court appeals. The confirmation succeeded by a single vote after several Democratic senators were absent; had Senators Michael Bennet, Angus King, Ben Ray Luján, Bernie Sanders, and Raphael Warnock voted “no,” the tally would have been a 48–48 tie, blocking the appointment.
Background: From Trump Counsel to Federal Judge
Smith, a longtime attorney for former President Donald Trump, represented him in the Supreme Court immunity case and in attempts to overturn the sexual-assault and defamation suit by E. Jean Carroll. He was nominated to the bench in March while still representing Trump in the Carroll case.
Key Figures and Their Roles
- John Smith – Former Trump lawyer, now appellate judge.
- Donald Trump – Former president, Smith’s client in immunity and Carroll matters.
- E. Jean Carroll – Plaintiff in the sexual-assault case.
- Michael Bennet, Angus King, Ben Ray Luján, Bernie Sanders, Raphael Warnock – Democratic senators whose absence affected the vote.
- Richard Blumenthal – Democratic senator who questioned Smith during the confirmation hearing.
Vote Dynamics and Circuit Jurisdiction
The Eighth Circuit covers Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Five Democratic senators were absent, and the confirmation passed by a single vote, meeting the Senate’s simple-majority requirement.
Implications for Judicial Impartiality
Smith’s recent work for Trump raises questions about conflicts of interest in cases involving the former president. His refusal to answer whether he would recuse himself from Trump-related matters during the hearing underscores concerns about future impartiality.
Official Statements from the Confirmation Hearing
During the April hearing, Smith declined to state who won the 2020 presidential election and refused to answer questions about recusal from Trump cases. He engaged in a pointed exchange with Senator Richard Blumenthal, who pressed for clarification.
Democratic Criticism and Opposition
Democratic lawmakers highlighted the narrow vote and the absence of key senators as factors that enabled the appointment. Critics noted that Smith’s continued representation of Trump after his nomination undermines the perception of an unbiased judiciary.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
The sources do not give the final vote count or indicate whether Smith has pledged to recuse himself from future Trump-related cases. Details on any formal recusal policy are absent.
Outlook for the Eighth Circuit
Smith will now preside over appeals from the seven-state circuit, which includes cases that could involve Trump or his associates.
