​Trump judicial pick asked about president's attacks on group that endorsed her

One of President Donald Trump's first judicial appointees is Whitney Hermandorfer, who has ties to the far-right Federalist Society, and one U.S. Senator wants to know if she agrees with Trump's sentiments about the group.

In a long and rambling post on Truth Social last week, Trump alleged, "I was new to Washington, and it was suggested that I use The Federalist Society as a recommending source on Judges. I did so, openly and freely, but then realized that they were under the thumb of a real 'sleazebag' named Leonard Leo, a bad person who, in his own way, probably hates America, and obviously has his own separate ambitions."

"He openly brags how he controls Judges, and even Justices of the United States Supreme Court — I hope that is not so, and don’t believe it is!" Trump continued. "In any event, Leo left The Federalist Society to do his own 'thing.' I am so disappointed in The Federalist Society because of the bad advice they gave me on numerous Judicial Nominations. This is something that cannot be forgotten!"

Speaking to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Hermandorfer was asked about her links to the group and whether she's met Leonard Leo, the group's board chairman and longtime VP, recounted Huffington Post congressional reporter Jennifer Bendery on X.

"I've met him a few times," said Hermandorfer.

"Do you concur with the president's assessment that he's 'a sleazebag?'" asked Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA).

She answered that it wouldn't be appropriate for her to comment, one observer posted on X.

Schiff also hammered her on whether she will do exactly what the president demands and she said no.

"That would not be my role. That would be to carry out my oath, which would be to the Constitution, first and foremost," she said.

Hermandorfer was joined by four other nominees from Trump to the federal bench. All of them are Federalist Society members, despite Trump's open feud with the group.