Until this appointment, the 1st Circuit had been the only one of the 13 federal appeals courts without a judge selected by a Republican president. This made it a preferred venue for challenges to Trump’s policies during his earlier term. Dunlap’s confirmation alters that balance, signaling the administration’s broader goal of reshaping the federal judiciary.

Trump had not appointed any judges to this court during his first term. His chance to do so arose when Judge William Kayatta, appointed by President Obama, assumed senior status in late 2024. President Biden’s nominee, Julia Lipez, was not confirmed before he left office, allowing Trump to fill the vacancy.

In July, Trump selected Dunlap, a partner at Pierce Atwood, who pledged to uphold the Constitution. Dunlap holds degrees from Pensacola Christian College and Notre Dame Law School