A federal judicial nomination has been paused after John Guard, a former Florida Deputy Attorney General, was subpoenaed in a criminal inquiry involving a charity linked to Florida’s governor. The White House’s decision reflects the serious nature of the investigation and its impact on the nomination process.
Trump’s Florida judge pick said to be halted
Key Takeaways:
- The White House halted the nomination of former Florida Deputy Attorney General John Guard.
- Guard was subpoenaed in a criminal inquiry connected to a charity with ties to Florida’s governor.
- The inquiry’s existence prompted immediate action on Guard’s pending federal judgeship.
- The nomination is said to have originated under President Trump.
- The story was reported by Biztoc on October 21, 2025.
Background on John Guard
John Guard previously served as Florida’s Deputy Attorney General before being selected as a potential federal judge, a position typically seen as a prestigious step in a legal career. The nomination drew attention due to the high-profile nature of federal judicial appointments.
The White House’s Decision
Shortly after news emerged that Guard had been subpoenaed, the White House opted to halt his nomination. Though few details have been released, observers note that the decision to stop a federal judgeship candidacy underscores the gravity of any ongoing investigation.
The Subpoena and Investigation
According to available information, Guard’s subpoena is linked to a criminal inquiry involving a charity associated with Florida’s governor. The extent of Guard’s involvement or knowledge in this matter remains unclear, but the subpoena evidently raised enough concern to stall his path to the bench.
Impact of the Halt
Federal judicial nominations can shape the judiciary for decades. Guard’s selection, initially tied to influences from President Trump’s administration, is now on hold indefinitely. With the White House stepping back from the process, questions linger about whether Guard may be renominated should his legal issues be resolved.
Remaining Questions
At this time, the details of the criminal inquiry and Guard’s specific role have not been made public beyond the initial report. Until more information is released or the investigation concludes, the status of the nomination—and Guard’s future prospects—remains uncertain.