Trump arms his legal arsenal with a heavyweight: Dean John Sauer tapped as Solicitor General.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump nominates Dean John Sauer as Solicitor General
- Sauer, a former Supreme Court clerk, led Trump’s victory on presidential immunity
- Appointment part of broader strategy to reinforce Trump’s legal team
- Other key legal appointments include Todd Blanche and Matt Gaetz
- Move seen as preparation for potential legal challenges in Trump’s presidency
Trump Bolsters Legal Team with Strategic Appointment
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dean John Sauer as Solicitor General, a move that significantly strengthens his administration’s legal firepower. Sauer, who recently represented Trump in a pivotal Supreme Court case on presidential immunity, brings a wealth of experience to the role that will be crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape facing the incoming administration.
It’s a sign that the incoming president won’t take a beating from the deep state this time, and is already preparing to fight back.
The Solicitor General’s office is responsible for representing the federal government in Supreme Court cases, making Sauer’s appointment particularly significant. His extensive background, including clerking for Justice Antonin Scalia and serving as Missouri’s Solicitor General from 2017 to 2023, positions him well to handle the high-stakes legal battles that often reach the nation’s highest court.
TRUMP APPOINTS DEAN JOHN SAUER AS SOLICITOR GENERAL
— FinancialJuice (@financialjuice) November 14, 2024
Sauer’s Track Record: A Trump Legal Victory
Sauer’s nomination comes on the heels of his successful representation of Trump in the case Trump v. United States, where he secured a significant victory on the issue of presidential immunity. This win was crucial in countering what Trump has termed an “unconstitutional campaign of lawfare” against him and his supporters.
“Most recently, John was the lead counsel representing me in the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States, winning a Historic Victory on Presidential Immunity, which was key to defeating the unConstitutional campaign of Lawfare against me and the entire MAGA Movement,” Trump said in a statement.
Sauer’s expertise extends beyond federal cases. He has also represented Trump in a New York state appeals court, challenging a $454 million judgment. This demonstrates Sauer’s versatility in handling both federal and state-level legal challenges, a skill set that will be invaluable in his role as Solicitor General.
So, he knows what he’ll be up against over the next four years.
A Pattern of Strategic Legal Appointments
Trump’s nomination of Sauer is part of a broader strategy to fortify his administration’s legal team. Other key appointments include Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, as Deputy Attorney General, and Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. These choices reflect Trump’s emphasis on surrounding himself with attorneys who have previously represented him or align with his legal strategies.
Emil Bove, another Trump attorney, has been named Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General and will serve as acting Deputy Attorney General during Blanche’s confirmation process. This arrangement ensures continuity and a seamless transition within the Justice Department.
Sauer’s Qualifications: A Scholar and Legal Expert
John Sauer’s credentials are impressive. A Rhodes Scholar, he graduated from Duke University, Oxford University, and Harvard Law School (magna cum laude). His academic background, combined with his practical experience in high-profile legal cases, makes him a formidable choice for the role of Solicitor General.
Trump has praised Sauer as a “great Champion” for the Make America Great Again movement, highlighting the alignment between Sauer’s legal approach and Trump’s political vision. This synergy is likely to be a key factor in the administration’s legal strategy moving forward.
These picks are getting exciting.
