President Trump nominates Louisiana prosecutor Alexander Van Hook to federal bench, bolstering his mission to restore fairness and eliminate activist rulings across America
President Donald Trump has made another major move to reshape the federal judiciary, announcing the nomination of Alexander Coker Van Hook to serve as Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The decision, made public on September 26, 2025, and widely reported on October 20, is being hailed by conservatives as another victory for Trump’s long-term goal of strengthening America’s courts with principled judges who uphold the Constitution without political bias.
Trump shared the announcement personally, praising Van Hook’s decades-long record of service and his unwavering dedication to the rule of law. “I am proud to announce the nomination of Alexander Van Hook to serve as Judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Alexander attended Centenary College of Louisiana before attending Louisiana State University for his Juris Doctorate. As Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana and, previously, as prosecutor in that same office for more than 25 years, Alexander has proven his commitment to serving the incredible people of Louisiana and protecting their Constitutional Rights. I have total confidence that Alexander will continue to serve his State, and our Country, with great distinction in this new role.”
Van Hook’s career has earned him a sterling reputation for fairness and integrity. Having served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for over a quarter century, including time as Acting U.S. Attorney, he is widely respected for his leadership in prosecuting complex criminal cases and defending the interests of Louisiana citizens. His background blends deep local roots with extensive federal experience, a combination Trump has often emphasized as essential for restoring accountability and balance in the judiciary.
Political observers note that the nomination comes at a crucial time for the administration, as federal courts continue to play a decisive role in major legal battles nationwide. Trump’s supporters view Van Hook’s appointment as part of a larger strategy to counter what they call years of “judicial activism” — rulings that, in their view, stray from the Constitution in favor of political interpretation. With Van Hook’s record of impartiality and respect for the law, the move is being seen as a continuation of Trump’s legacy of appointing judges who focus on enforcing the law as written.
The nomination also comes amid heightened attention to Trump’s ongoing efforts to restore confidence in America’s legal system. Since returning to office, the president has prioritized judicial appointments, arguing that many federal benches were stacked with ideologically driven judges during past administrations. By selecting Van Hook, Trump is signaling a commitment to elevating professionals with deep courtroom experience rather than political ties.
In Louisiana, the response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Local officials and legal experts have praised Van Hook’s decades of service, calling him a “steady hand” with a deep understanding of both state and federal law. Former colleagues describe him as disciplined, pragmatic, and committed to justice above all else.
The nomination aligns with Trump’s broader pattern of reinforcing the judiciary with individuals whose track records reflect years of prosecutorial integrity and dedication to constitutional values. Van Hook’s confirmation would add to a growing roster of Trump-appointed judges who are shaping courts in line with his vision of restoring law and order, strengthening public trust, and keeping America’s justice system free from political manipulation.
As the nomination heads to the Senate, supporters say Van Hook’s confirmation is all but certain, given his extensive experience and bipartisan respect. For the Trump administration, it marks another step in building a judiciary grounded in principle and fairness — a legacy that continues to resonate with millions of Americans who believe in strong, consistent enforcement of the law.
Trump’s closing words summed up the spirit of the announcement: “Alexander will serve with distinction. He loves Louisiana, he loves this country, and he stands for justice. That’s what America needs right now.”
