Senate Confirms Joshua Dunlap and Eric Tung for First and Ninth Circuit Courts
July 30, 2025 | Judiciary: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
In a charged atmosphere of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, nominees Joshua Dunlap and Eric Tung faced intense scrutiny regarding their judicial philosophies and political affiliations. The session, held on July 30, 2025, highlighted the deep divisions within American politics, particularly as they relate to the judiciary.
The hearing took a notable turn when Senator John Kennedy pressed Tung on whether he believed Democrats were "relentless and evil," a question that sparked a tense exchange. Tung, maintaining his composure, refrained from labeling any political party as evil, emphasizing his commitment to impartiality as a potential judge. "I can commit to this committee that whoever comes before my court... will be treated with respect," he asserted, underscoring the importance of fairness in the judicial process.
Senator Kennedy expressed disappointment in Tung's reluctance to directly address the question, suggesting that such hesitance contributes to a toxic political climate. He argued that the judiciary should rise above partisanship, a sentiment echoed by several committee members who voiced concerns about the politicization of the courts. Kennedy's remarks reflected a broader anxiety about the safety and integrity of judges in a polarized society, referencing recent threats against federal judges.
As the hearing progressed, discussions shifted to the nominees' qualifications and judicial philosophies. Both Dunlap and Tung were praised for their legal backgrounds and commitment to constitutional principles. Senator Ted Cruz lauded them as "exceptional nominees" who would adhere to the law as written, rather than imposing personal beliefs.
The nominees also addressed questions about their potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding past associations with cryptocurrency clients and their willingness to recuse themselves from related cases. Tung indicated that recusal would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, while Dunlap emphasized the importance of collegiality and independent judgment in their future roles.
The hearing concluded with a sense of urgency surrounding the need for judges who can navigate the complexities of a divided political landscape while upholding the rule of law. As the committee deliberates on these nominations, the implications for the judiciary and its role in American democracy remain a focal point of concern and discussion.
The hearing took a notable turn when Senator John Kennedy pressed Tung on whether he believed Democrats were "relentless and evil," a question that sparked a tense exchange. Tung, maintaining his composure, refrained from labeling any political party as evil, emphasizing his commitment to impartiality as a potential judge. "I can commit to this committee that whoever comes before my court... will be treated with respect," he asserted, underscoring the importance of fairness in the judicial process.
Senator Kennedy expressed disappointment in Tung's reluctance to directly address the question, suggesting that such hesitance contributes to a toxic political climate. He argued that the judiciary should rise above partisanship, a sentiment echoed by several committee members who voiced concerns about the politicization of the courts. Kennedy's remarks reflected a broader anxiety about the safety and integrity of judges in a polarized society, referencing recent threats against federal judges.
As the hearing progressed, discussions shifted to the nominees' qualifications and judicial philosophies. Both Dunlap and Tung were praised for their legal backgrounds and commitment to constitutional principles. Senator Ted Cruz lauded them as "exceptional nominees" who would adhere to the law as written, rather than imposing personal beliefs.
The nominees also addressed questions about their potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding past associations with cryptocurrency clients and their willingness to recuse themselves from related cases. Tung indicated that recusal would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, while Dunlap emphasized the importance of collegiality and independent judgment in their future roles.
The hearing concluded with a sense of urgency surrounding the need for judges who can navigate the complexities of a divided political landscape while upholding the rule of law. As the committee deliberates on these nominations, the implications for the judiciary and its role in American democracy remain a focal point of concern and discussion.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting