The Senate has confirmed President Trump’s first pick for the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, approving conservative Maine attorney Joshua Dunlap in a 52–46 party-line vote. His appointment shifts a court long dominated by Democratic appointees and marks Trump’s first chance to influence the New England appellate bench.
The seat opened after Judge William Kayatta took senior status in 2024. President Biden’s nominee, Julia Lipez, was never confirmed, giving Trump the opportunity to fill the vacancy and reshape the court’s balance.
