Trump-Appointed Judge in Target LGBTQ+ Pride Case Defies Labels

The federal judge in Florida overseeing a conservative group’s lawsuit against Target’s LGBTQ+ Pride marketing is a Trump appointee and a member of the Federalist Society, which champions individual liberty and traditional values.

These facts describing US District Judge John Badalamenti, presented against a highly politicized backdrop, suggest a particular political leaning that could influence the way he will rule in the case. What people may not know is that the 49-year-old jurist has liberal supporters, came from a humble upbringing and considers political motivations incompatible with his role as a judge. But defying expectations and challenging assumptions is nothing ...