On Thursday, November 14th, President-elect Donald Trump named Dean John Sauer as his nominee for U.S. Solicitor General, a key position responsible for representing the federal government in Supreme Court proceedings. Trump emphasized Sauer’s legal background, specifically his involvement in a recent Supreme Court case involving presidential immunity. If confirmed, Sauer would lead the government’s legal team at the high court, handling significant cases that impact national policy.
In a statement, Trump praised Sauer for his experience in appellate law, saying, “John is a deeply accomplished, masterful appellate attorney, who clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia in the United States Supreme Court, served as Solicitor General of Missouri for six years, and has extensive experience practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and other Appellate Courts.”
Sauer’s most recent notable achievement was his role as lead counsel in the Supreme Court case Trump v. United States, where he successfully argued for presidential immunity from prosecution. In a landmark ruling, the Court decided that a sitting president enjoys immunity for core presidential functions, a decision that Trump described as crucial in his defense, calling it “key to defeating the unconstitutional campaign of lawfare against me and the entire MAGA Movement.”
In addition to his Supreme Court work, Sauer has built a distinguished legal career, having served as Solicitor General of Missouri from 2017 to 2023. During that time, he represented the state in numerous high-profile appellate cases. He also earned recognition for his defense of Trump in a New York appeals court, where he sought to overturn a significant fraud judgment against the Trump Organization.
If confirmed by the Senate, Sauer will represent the federal government in key Supreme Court cases and oversee a team of elite lawyers at the Department of Justice. His new role will also involve making crucial decisions on when to file appeals of lower court rulings.
Trump expressed confidence in Sauer’s qualifications for representing the administration’s legal interests. “John will be a great Champion for us as we Make America Great Again!” Trump said.
