Trump Taps L.A. Crypto Gun Advocate for 9th Circuit
- What: Nomination of Eric Tung, a Los Angeles County attorney with a conservative background, to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Where: 9th circuit Court of Appeals (federal jurisdiction covering California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, adn hawaii).
- When: * March 28: White House Counsel's Office approached Tung.
Eric Tung: 9th circuit Court of Appeals Nomination – At a Glance
What: Nomination of Eric Tung, a Los Angeles County attorney with a conservative background, to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. He would replace Judge Sandra Segal Ikuta, who is taking senior status.
Where: 9th circuit Court of Appeals (federal jurisdiction covering California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, adn hawaii). Tung is based in Pasadena, California.
When:
* March 28: White House Counsel’s Office approached Tung.
* July: Nomination announced by President Trump.
* Currently: Awaiting confirmation.
Why it Matters: This nomination continues the significant rightward shift of the 9th Circuit, historically a liberal-leaning court. Trump has actively sought to reshape the court with conservative appointments. Tung’s confirmation would be Trump’s 11th appointment to the 9th circuit.His background and views are sharply contested, with critics arguing he holds a conception of the Constitution that rejects equality and liberty.
What’s Next: Tung awaits Senate confirmation. The traditional practice of home-state senators blocking nominations has been challenged by the Trump management, making confirmation less certain.
Key Facts about Eric tung:
* Background: Woodland Hills native, conservative Catholic convert.
* Education: Yale University, University of Chicago Law School.
* Clerkships: Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia and Neil Gorsuch.
* Legal Career: Jones Day law firm, champion of the cryptocurrency industry.
* Political Affiliations: Frequent lecturer at Federalist Society events.
* Trump Support: Endorsed by President Trump on Truth Social as a “Tough Patriot.”
9th Circuit Composition (Past Context):
The 9th Circuit was historically known for its liberal leanings,a result of President Jimmy Carter expanding the court and appointing liberal judges. Trump has actively worked to counter this legacy.
Stakeholders:
* Supporters: President Trump,conservative legal groups (Judicial Crisis Network),National Asian Pacific American Bar Assn.
* Opponents: California Senators Alex Padilla, Alliance for Justice, Demand Justice, national council of Jewish Women.
Data Table: Trump Appointments to the 9th Circuit
| Appointment # | Judge Name | Year appointed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Collins | 2017 |
| 2 | Kenneth Lee | 2018 |
| 3 | Ryan Nelson | 2018 |
| 4 | Eric Miller | 2019 |
| 5 | Lawrence VanDyke | 2019 |
| 6 | Christine Snyder | 2019 |
| 7 | Patrick Bumatay | 2019 |
| 8 | John Bush | 2019 |
| 9 | Chad Readler | 2020 |
| 10 | Holly Holland | 2020 |
| 11 | Eric Tung | Pending |
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