Case: Moe v. Trump

1:25-cv-10195 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Jan. 26, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case concerned Executive Order 14166 (“Executive Order” or “EO”) by the second Trump Administration, which mandated the transfer of transgender women incarcerated in federal women’s prisons to men’s facilities and denied access to gender-affirming care. On January 26, 2026, an adult transgender woman incarcerated in a women’s federal prison filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice, and the Fede…

This case concerned Executive Order 14166 (“Executive Order” or “EO”) by the second Trump Administration, which mandated the transfer of transgender women incarcerated in federal women’s prisons to men’s facilities and denied access to gender-affirming care. On January 26, 2026, an adult transgender woman incarcerated in a women’s federal prison filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) under the Ex Parte Young, the Declaratory Judgment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Administrative Procedure Act.  Represented by the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and private counsel, the plaintiff alleged that the BOP officials removed her from the general population at a federal prison for women and placed her in the Special Housing Unit one day after President Trump signed the Order, informing her that she was being transferred to a men’s facility. The plaintiff alleged violations of the Fifth Amendment, the Eighth Amendment, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief. The case was assigned to Judge George O’Toole. 

On January 30, 2025, the plaintiff filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

On February 7, 2025, Judge O’Toole ordered the case to be transferred to the district in which the plaintiff was confined.

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Oliver Farnum (2/4/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69578269/parties/moe-v-trump-president-of-the-united-states/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Austin, Sarah K (Massachusetts)

Klein, Bennett H. (Massachusetts)

Levi, Jennifer L. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Farquhar, Rayford A. (Massachusetts)

Lin, Jean (Massachusetts)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-10195

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

Complaint
32

1:25-cv-10195

Motion to Seal

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
37

1:25-cv-10195

Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

1:25-cv-10195

Opinion and Order

Feb. 7, 2025

Feb. 7, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 438730

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69578269/moe-v-trump-president-of-the-united-states/

Last updated April 24, 2025, 5:05 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT (Redacted) against All Defendants, filed by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

Clearinghouse
3

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Maria Moe.(BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
4

MEMORANDUM in Support re 3 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi, # 2 Declaration of Lauren B. Meade, M.D.)(BAH) (Additional attachment(s) added on 1/26/2025: # 3 Declaration of Maria Moe's Mother) (BAH). (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
5

MOTION to File under Seal, MOTION Proceed under Pseudonym, and MOTION for Protective Order by Maria Moe.(BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
6

MEMORANDUM in Support re 5 MOTION to Partially Seal, MOTION Proceed under Pseudonym, and MOTION for Protective Order filed by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi, # 2 Declaration of Lauren B. Meade, M.D., # 3 Proposed Order)(BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER

Notice of Case Assignment

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
2

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge George A. OToole, Jr assigned to case. (BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
7

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 5 Motion to Seal, 5 Motion to Proceed using Pseudonym; 5 Motion for Protective Order. The motions are granted, and the case is ordered sealed, subject to further consideration by the court. (BAH) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

PACER
12

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER, ENTERED. Motion Hearing set for 1/28/2025 at 4:00 PM in Courtroom 22 (In person only) before Judge George A. OToole Jr. (BAH) (Copy of Order provided to counsel of record by email.) (Entered: 01/26/2025)

Jan. 26, 2025

Jan. 26, 2025

RECAP
13

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Any response to the Plaintiff's 3 Emergency Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction is due by 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. (FGD) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

Jan. 27, 2025

Jan. 27, 2025

PACER
14

NOTICE of Appearance by John Robinson on behalf of Donald J. Trump, James R. McHenry, III, William Lothrop. (FGD) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

Jan. 28, 2025

Jan. 28, 2025

RECAP
15

NOTICE of Appearance by Jean Lin on behalf of Donald J. Trump, James R. McHenry, III, William Lothrop. (FGD) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

Jan. 28, 2025

Jan. 28, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Appearance by Rayford A. Farquhar on behalf of Donald J. Trump, James R. McHenry, III, William Lothrop. (FGD) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

Jan. 28, 2025

Jan. 28, 2025

RECAP
19

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole, Jr: Case sealed. Motion Hearing held on 1/28/2025 re 3 Emergency Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff. Current status of Plaintiff discussed. Parties to decide which documents will remain under seal. Merits argument continued to 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025. (Court Reporter: Jamie Halpin at jkhhalpin@gmail.com.) (Attorneys present: J. Levi and S. Austin for the Plaintiff; R. Farquhar, J. Lin and J. Robinson for the Defendants.) (JMF) Modified on 2/6/2025 to correct date of hearing (JMF). (Entered: 01/29/2025)

Jan. 29, 2025

Jan. 29, 2025

PACER
20

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on Motion 3 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 18 MOTION to Seal Document 17 Response to Motion, : Motion Hearing set for 1/30/2025 02:00 PM in Courtroom 22 (In person only) before Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.. (JMF) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

Jan. 29, 2025

Jan. 29, 2025

PACER
22

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Amy Whelan by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Amy Whelan). (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Certification of Amy Whelan

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP

Order to Unseal Case

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER

Filing Fee/Payment Received

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER
23

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Natalie J. Kraner by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Natalie J. Kraner). (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Certification of Natalie J. Kraner

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP
24

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Alexander Shalom by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Alexander Shalom). (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Certification of Alexander Shalom

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP
25

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christopher F. Stoll by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Christopher F. Stoll). (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Certification of Christopher F. Stoll

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP
26

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Sarah K. Austin by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Sarah K. Austin). (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Certification of Sarah K. Austin

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP
27

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ORDER entered. Order to Unseal Case. The case and docket entries 1, 2, and 20 shall be unsealed. All other presently sealed matters shall remain sealed until further order of the Court. (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER
28

Filing fee/payment: $ 125, receipt number 100010474 for 26 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Sarah K. Austin. (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER
29

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Sarah K. Austin. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER
30

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge George A. O'Toole, Jr: Motion Hearing held on 1/30/2025 re 3 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and 18 MOTION to Seal Document 17 Response to Motion. Counsel for Plaintiff and Defendants present. Current status of Plaintiff and Pro Hac Vice filings discussed. Arguments held re: 3 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction. Matter taken under advisement. (Court Reporter: Kelly Mortellite at mortellite@gmail.com.) (Attorneys present: S. Austin and J. Levi for the Plaintiff; R. Farquhar and J. Lin for the Defendants.) (JMF) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

PACER
31

Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 REDACTED Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Ex-Parte Emergency Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order/Preliminary Injunction and to Proceed Under Pseudonym, Partially Seal The Record, and for a Protective Order, # 3 REDACTED Declaration of Maria Moe's Mother, # 4 Declaration of Lauren B Meade, M.D. and Curriculum Vitae)(Klein, Bennett) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 REDACTED Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Ex-Parte Emergency Mo

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Tem

View on RECAP

3 REDACTED Declaration of Maria Moe's Mother

View on RECAP

4 Declaration of Lauren B Meade, M.D. and Curriculum Vitae

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

Clearinghouse
32

MOTION to Seal,Proceed Under Pseudonym, and for Protective Order by Maria Moe. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, to Partially Seal Documents and for Protective Order, # 2 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order/Preliminary Injunction and to Proceed Under Pseudonym, Partially Seal The Record, and for a Protective Order, # 3 REDACTED Declaration of Maria Moe's Mother, # 4 Declaration of Lauren B Meade, M.D. and Curriculum Vitae, # 5 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiff's Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, to File Under Seal, and for Protective Order)(Klein, Bennett) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

1 Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, to Partially

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Jennifer L. Levi in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Tem

View on RECAP

3 REDACTED Declaration of Maria Moe's Mother

View on RECAP

4 Declaration of Lauren B Meade, M.D. and Curriculum Vitae

View on RECAP

5 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiff's Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, to

View on RECAP

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

Clearinghouse
33

REPLY to Response to 31 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction filed by Maria Moe. (Klein, Bennett) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

RECAP
34

ELECTRONIC NOTICE TO COUNSEL: Pursuant to the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures Section (G) Number (4): Any memorandum of law or other attachment filed in support of a main document shall be filed as a separate document, using the proper event. For future filings, please make sure all memorandums in support and any exhibits are filed correctly in their own separate entry from the motion. (FGD) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER

Notice - Other

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER

Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
35

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Docket entries 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 shall be unsealed. All other presently sealed matters shall remain sealed until further order of the Court. The Court acknowledges 31 Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction and 32 Motion to Seal, Proceed Under Pseudonym, and for Protective Order as redacted versions of previously-filed documents. The Court has ruled on these Motions at 7 and 12 . (FGD) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
36

NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah K Austin on behalf of Maria Moe (Austin, Sarah) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

Feb. 3, 2025

Feb. 3, 2025

RECAP
37

RESPONSE to Motion re 31 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (redacted version of sealed response at ECF No. 17) filed by Donald J. Trump, James R. McHenry, III, William Lothrop. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Rick Stover (redacted), # 2 Transgender Offender Manual 2022, # 3 Transgender Offender Manual 2018, # 4 Keohane Order)(Robinson, John) (Entered: 02/05/2025)

1 Declaration of Rick Stover (redacted)

View on RECAP

2 Transgender Offender Manual 2022

View on RECAP

3 Transgender Offender Manual 2018

View on RECAP

4 Keohane Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

Clearinghouse

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

PACER
38

Transcript of Hearing held on January 30, 2025, before Judge George A. OToole. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Kelly Mortellite at mortellite@gmail.com. Redaction Request due 2/26/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/10/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/6/2025. (DRK) (Entered: 02/05/2025)

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

PACER
39

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, available on the court website at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/transcripts.htm (DRK) (Entered: 02/05/2025)

Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025

PACER
40

Judge George A. OToole, Jr: ORDER entered. OPINION AND ORDER. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that: 1. This case is transferred to the United States District Court for the district in which Plaintiff is currently confined. The parties are familiar with the proper district based on the sealed documents previously filed in this matter. This case is terminated in this district. 2. The Clerk of Court is directed to take all necessary steps to transfer this matter to the United States District Court for the district in which Plaintiff is currently confined. It is SO ORDERED.(FGD) Modified on 2/7/2025: Corrected docket text. (FGD) (Entered: 02/07/2025)

Feb. 7, 2025

Feb. 7, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Transferred Out - District Transfer

Feb. 7, 2025

Feb. 7, 2025

PACER
41

Case transferred to the District in which Plaintiff is currently confined; Original file certified copy of transfer order and docket sheet sent to Clerk in that district. (FGD) (Entered: 02/07/2025)

Feb. 7, 2025

Feb. 7, 2025

PACER
43

Payment: $500.00, receipt number 100010735 for 22 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Amy Whelan, 24 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Alexander Shalom, 23 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Natalie J. Kraner, 25 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christopher F. Stoll (LBO) (Entered: 02/21/2025)

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

PACER

Filing Fee/Payment Received

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Special Collection(s):

Transgender Healthcare Access Cases

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Transgender Rights)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 26, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is an adult transgender woman incarcerated in a low-security federal prison for women and diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a rare but serious medical condition and disability. The medical standard of care for treatment of gender dysphoria is to allow a transgender person to live in a sex different than their birth sex through counseling, medications, surgical care, and social transition.

Attorney Organizations:

National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)

GLAD (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Donald J. Trump (in his official capacity) (Washington, D.C., District of Columbia), Federal

Department of Justice (Washington, D.C., District of Columbia), Federal

Bureau of Prisons (Washington, D.C., District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Placement in detention facilities