NOLA.com: Trump says he’s nominating a New Orleans judge for 5th Circuit appeals court. See who he picked.
This excerpt is from a piece that originally ran on June 30, 2026.
Her nomination was more controversial than those of some other recent Louisiana judges. Democrats criticized her comments and “friend of the court briefs” in politically charged cases.
Critics also faulted her for testifying against a law that passed in 2022 with bipartisan support that exempted victims of sexual harassment in the workplace from having their complaints considered behind closed doors in forced arbitration. St. John said she wanted to make clear to lawmakers that arbitration can often lead to victims getting more money.
The progressive leaning Alliance for Justice opposed her nomination to a seat on U.S. District Court for the Eastern District Louisiana.
“Anna St. John’s biases and hostilities toward marginalized communities, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, demonstrate that she is unfit and unqualified for a lifetime appointment,” the Alliance wrote.