Trump nominates White House lawyer to trade court that could decide details of any tariff refunds
Source: Politico
02/12/2026 12:08 PM EST
President Donald Trump on Thursday tapped one of his White House lawyers to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of International Trade, a federal court that could prove pivotal in deciding tariff refunds if the Supreme Court strikes down some of the president’s duties.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said it is his “Honor” to nominate White House associate counsel Kara Westercamp, calling her “a very experienced Trade Lawyer.”
Westercamp, who previously worked as a trade attorney at the Department of Justice, “knows the Wisdom and Courage required to protect the American People, who have been ripped off by other Countries for far too long. She will always put America First. Congratulations Kara!” Trump wrote.
If confirmed by the Senate, Westercamp would receive a lifetime appointment to the nine-judge court, which has nationwide jurisdiction over civil cases arising under U.S. trade laws, including challenges to tariff actions and disputes over how U.S. Customs and Border Protection assesses and collects duties.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/12/trump-lawyer-trade-court-00778128
