President Trump Announces Judicial Nominees Amid Frustration with Court Delays

President Donald Trump, currently serving his second term in office, has voiced frustration over recent legal obstacles hindering his policy implementation, while simultaneously unveiling a series of new judicial nominations. In a series of posts on Truth Social, the president addressed the challenges facing his administration and outlined his continued efforts to fill federal judicial vacancies.

In one post, Trump stated, “Our Court System is not letting me do the job I was elected to do,” referring to what he views as judicial barriers to enforcing federal immigration laws. He specifically expressed concern over court rulings preventing the swift deportation of individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Despite these challenges, the president remains focused on shaping the judiciary, an area he has long emphasized as critical to his vision of government reform and efficiency.

New Judicial Nominees Introduced

In a series of announcements, President Trump nominated several legal professionals to serve on U.S. district and circuit courts. Among them is Maria Lanahan, Missouri’s Principal Deputy Solicitor General, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Trump described Lanahan as “a true patriot,” citing her legal experience and service in public office.

Another nominee for the same court is Zachary Bluestone, the appellate chief and violent crimes prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. Trump praised Bluestone as “a True Legal Warrior” with a strong record in criminal prosecution and appellate law.

Also nominated is Cristian Stevens, a current judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District. The president referred to him as “a great patriot,” highlighting his judicial service and experience in Missouri’s legal system.

The president further selected Joshua Divine, Missouri’s Solicitor General, for nomination to both the Eastern and Western District Courts of Missouri. Divine’s background includes significant constitutional and appellate litigation experience, making him a key candidate for the federal bench, according to the White House.

D.C. Nomination and Circuit Court Pick

Outside of Missouri, Trump announced the nomination of Edward Aloysius O’Connell to serve as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In a public post, Trump emphasized O’Connell’s qualifications, noting his role as Chief of Staff and Deputy General Counsel at the Office of the Inspector General for both the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

“O’Connell will help fix violent crime in the city by restoring the rule of law,” the president stated.

For the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Whitney Hermandorfer has been nominated. She currently serves as Director of the Strategic Litigation Unit within the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. Describing her as “a fighter,” Trump expressed confidence that she would strengthen public trust in the federal judiciary.

Surgeon General Nomination Shift

Alongside these judicial nominations, the Trump administration also made changes in the U.S. Surgeon General nomination. Initially nominated was Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a practicing physician and former media contributor. However, her nomination was withdrawn prior to a Senate Health Committee hearing.

Reports surfaced raising questions about the accuracy of academic credentials listed on Nesheiwat’s public profiles, including her LinkedIn page. While she completed her residency at the University of Arkansas, she earned her M.D. from the American University of the Caribbean. The discrepancy led to public scrutiny and concern, ultimately resulting in the withdrawal of her nomination.

“I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again,” Nesheiwat wrote on social media following the announcement. “My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans.”

Trump has since named Dr. Casey Means as his new nominee for Surgeon General. Dr. Means, a wellness advocate and healthcare entrepreneur, has worked closely with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and is known for her preventive health focus. Her nomination is expected to bring a more holistic approach to public health policy.

Looking Ahead

All federal judicial nominations are subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. With many nominees already actively serving in public roles, the administration is expected to seek timely consideration for each appointment.

While President Trump continues to express concern over judicial hurdles, he also maintains a strong focus on shaping the federal bench with individuals who reflect his administration’s priorities of legal efficiency, law enforcement, and structural reform.

These recent announcements mark a significant step in Trump’s ongoing strategy to influence the judiciary and navigate complex policy and legal landscapes.