North Dakota Solicitor General Phil Axt has been nominated to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. Donald Trump announced the nomination, highlighting Axt's extensive courtroom record and military background as part of a broader slate of federal judicial selections that also included Department of Justice (DOJ) officials.
Military Service and Academic Background
Prior to his legal career, Phil Axt attended the U.S. Military Academy and served in the armed forces, which included deployments to Afghanistan. Following his military service, he earned his law degree from Yale Law School. He later served as a law clerk to Judge Jennifer Elrod of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Service as Solicitor General and Court Vacancies
In his role as Solicitor General of North Dakota, Axt has represented the state in numerous major legal actions, including litigation challenging policies enacted by the Biden Administration. His federal nomination follows his previous candidacy for a state judicial vacancy. In December 2025, Axt was among 12 applicants who sought a seat on the North Dakota Supreme Court, subsequently advancing as one of six shortlisted nominees in January 2026.
Official Statement on the Nomination
Announcing the selection on social media, Donald Trump praised Axt's background and commitment to the judiciary, stating,
"Phil is a true warrior, and will always be a strong defender of the Constitution and Rule of Law."The nomination will now proceed to the United States Senate for confirmation hearings.
