President Donald Trump has nominated Judge Lee Rudofsky of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The announcement was made Wednesday in a post on Truth Social.
“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Lee Rudofsky to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit!” Trump wrote, describing Rudofsky as a “rock solid defender of the Constitution.”
Rudofsky, a Harvard Law School and Cornell University graduate, currently serves as a federal district judge, a position Trump nominated him to in 2019. His legal career has included roles as Arkansas’ first solicitor general and as assistant general counsel for Walmart.
Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge and Attorney General Tim Griffin were among those offering congratulations. Rutledge, in a message posted to X, applauded Rudofsky for his fairness and impartiality as a judge and urged the U.S. Senate to confirm his nomination swiftly. Griffin also praised Rudofsky, highlighting his legal expertise and dedication to upholding the Constitution.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rudofsky would succeed Judge Bobby Shepherd, who is retiring. His appointment would secure a majority of judges on the Eighth Circuit who were nominated by Trump. The Eighth Circuit hears appeals from federal courts in seven states, including Arkansas.
The confirmation process now moves to the Senate for consideration.