White House associate counsel Samuel D. Adkisson is leaving the administration to be appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, President Donald Trump announced on social media. This appointment marks the second notable departure from the president's legal team in recent weeks, following the exit of lead Counsel David Worthington.
Trump praised Adkisson in a post on Truth Social, stating that he "has exemplified Wisdom and Courage, loves the Constitution, and will always defend the wonderful people of Tennessee." The president specifically highlighted Adkisson's work on the legal defense in the "Slaughter case," which involved the administration's challenge to the firing of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya. Slaughter had filed a lawsuit to contest the firings, a case that ultimately reached the Supreme Court. Adkisson and the White House counsel's office argued that the president's actions were within his executive authority under Article II of the Constitution. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the president, affirming his executive authority over the FTC on the grounds that it is an agency wielding executive power.
Adkisson's move to the federal bench will see him return to his home state of Tennessee. Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee celebrated the appointment, writing on social media that Adkisson "will bring Volunteer State values to the bench and uphold the high standards of our federal judiciary." Hagerty indicated he would work towards Adkisson's prompt confirmation.
Adkisson's departure is part of a broader trend of high-profile staff changes within the White House ahead of the midterm elections. Other notable exits include White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who plans to leave at the end of August, Deputy National Security adviser Andy Baker, and Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson, both of whom also announced plans to depart in August.
Last week, the president appointed State Secretary Will Scharf to succeed Worthington, who is reportedly moving to the private sector. Trump expressed confidence in Scharf, stating, "Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!" As staff secretary, Scharf was responsible for managing legal documents and statements requiring the president's attention. Prior to his current role, Scharf served on Trump's personal legal team and was involved in cases before the Supreme Court.
