Trump Taps Ally For Court Overseeing Tariffs, Trade Disputes
President Donald Trump has nominated Kara Westercamp, a longtime ally and White House attorney, to serve on the U.S. Court of International Trade—a key judicial body that rules on tariffs and trade policy. If confirmed by the Senate, Westercamp would hold the position for life.
“Kara is a very experienced Trade Lawyer, who spent over a decade working as an Attorney at the Department of Justice, and is now one of the incredible lawyers defending our historic and popular America First Agenda,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “She knows the wisdom and courage required to protect the American people who have been ripped off by other countries for far too long.”
Westercamp is currently serving as associate counsel in the White House, where she has helped shape Trump’s legal defense of his aggressive tariff policies. Before joining the administration, she served in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, arguing numerous cases before the very court she is now poised to join.
The U.S. Court of International Trade, based in New York, has been at the center of high-stakes legal fights over Trump’s use of executive authority to impose sweeping tariffs on foreign goods. One such ruling against part of his tariff framework is currently under review by the Supreme Court, after a heated appeal from the administration.
Trump has previously lashed out at unfavorable rulings by the trade court. “How is it possible for them to have potentially done such damage to the United States?” he asked on Truth Social last year. “Is it purely a hatred of ‘TRUMP’? What other reason could it be?”
Westercamp, who also practiced law at Jones Day, brings experience in customs enforcement and trade litigation. Her nomination signals Trump’s determination to shape the judiciary in ways that bolster his economic agenda, particularly when it comes to tariffs and international trade.
The Court of International Trade consists of nine judges and handles civil cases involving customs duties, tariffs, and trade laws. Its rulings often have far-reaching implications for U.S. manufacturing, imports, and the global supply chain.
Over the course of his presidency, Trump has reshaped the federal judiciary with more than 270 judicial appointments, including three to the Supreme Court. That figure is fast approaching the 334 judges appointed by Barack Obama across his two terms—an achievement the Trump White House has frequently highlighted.
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