President Donald Trump has nominated attorney Evan Rikhye to the U.S. District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands, according to a post on Truth Social Thursday morning.
Rikhye is currently the senior counsel for Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, but previously served as assistant United States Attorney on St. Croix from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2021 to 2024. During his time in the territory he was involved in several high-profile prosecutions, including the Casino Control Commission fraud case against Violet Anne Golden and Stephanie Barnes, and the indictment of Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne in an alleged $4 million Housing and Urban Development fraud scheme.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Rikhye would fill the seat of Judge Wilma Lewis, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2011, confirmed that same year and served as chief judge from 2013 until April 2021. Lewis assumed senior status last February, which is a form of semi-retirement that allows judges to reduce their caseload by as much as 25 percent and creates a vacancy on the bench.
Federal district court judges are appointed for 10-year terms, or until they resign or are impeached, according to the United States Courts.
In his announcement, Trump lauded Rikhye as committed to the rule of law.
A graduate of American University, “Evan has distinguished himself as a Federal Prosecutor, Department of Justice Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands,” Trump wrote on his social media site.
“He will make an even better Judge! Throughout his career, Evan has demonstrated his commitment to the Rule of Law, and will always defend Liberty and Justice for ALL. Congratulations Evan!” Trump wrote.
According to the website Ballotpedia, Trump has nominated 39 individuals to Article III courts since taking office for his second term. As of Feb. 5, 33 of his nominees have been confirmed.
Editor’s Note: District Court judges are appointed to 10-year terms. A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that they are lifetime appointments.
