By Steve Neavling
Donald Trump has nominated Stanley Woodward, a lawyer with deep ties to his legal battles, as associate attorney general, the third-ranking post at the Justice Department.
Woodward never directly represented Trump but played a central role in defending his allies, including personal aide Walt Nauta in the classified documents case led by special counsel Jack Smith, Politico reports. He also represented Dan Scavino, Kash Patel, and Peter Navarro, among others in Trump’s orbit, as well as multiple Jan. 6 defendants.
The move further cements Trump’s control over the Justice Department, stacking its leadership with attorneys who helped shield him through two impeachments and four criminal cases. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and senior DOJ official Emil Bove all previously served on Trump’s legal team.
Woodward’s legal rise began under his former law firm partner Stan Brand, a longtime Washington insider and former House general counsel. Woodward is currently serving as a senior counselor in Trump’s second-term White House.
His nomination requires Senate confirmation.
