Case: Storch v. Hegseth

1:25-cv-00415 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Feb. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged the second Trump administration's immediate firing of over a dozen Inspectors General (IGs), who serve as independent watchdogs responsible for monitoring their assigned agencies for fraud, waste, and other misbehavior. (To see the Clearinghouse's collection of civil-service-related legal challenges to actions by the second Trump administration, click here.) On January 24, 2025, during the first week of his second term, President Donald Trump purported to remove from office…

On January 24, 2025, during the first week of his second term, President Donald Trump purported to remove from office more than a dozen IGs on account of “changing priorities.” This was communicated via a two-sentence email by leadership of the Office of Presidential Personnel. After, the head of each affected agency effectuated the terminations by removing the IGs’ access to agency devices, networks, and buildings.

On February 12, 2025, the duly appointed/confirmed IGs of eight major U.S. agencies—the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, State, Agriculture, Education, Labor, and the Small Business Administration—filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs were represented by law firm WilmerHale. The plaintiffs brought this lawsuit against President Trump and the heads of the aforementioned eight major U.S. agencies to challenge their mass firings, which the plaintiffs alleged violated the Inspector General Act (IG Act) on two grounds. First, President Trump did not notify Congress about the planned removals at least 30 days before they occurred. Second, he did not provide a substantive, case-specific rationale for any of the terminations.

The complaint requested: (1) a declaration that the terminations contravened the IG Act and were legally ineffective, (2) a declaration that the plaintiffs remain the lawful IGs of their respective agencies for now, (3) an injunction barring the defendants from taking any further actions to obstruct the plaintiffs, and (4) all back pay and benefits owed.

District Judge Ana C. Reyes was assigned to the case.

On February 14, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a motion for emergency relief in the form of a declaratory judgment and an injunction. Judge Reyes rejected their requests on the same day (as reported here).

A few weeks later, on March 8, the parties agreed that the preliminary injunction hearing (originally scheduled for March 11) should be consolidated with a hearing on the merits of the plaintiffs' claims. A hearing on a permanent injunction was held on March 27, 2025. As reported, Judge Reyes expressed concern that even if a federal law requiring the President to notify Congress 30 days in advance before firing inspectors general is valid, requiring their reinstatement would have little impact and could cause disruption (because they could be put on administrative leave immediately then removed by the President again). However, per the article, she also "made clear that she was not comfortable with the idea of allowing Trump to violate the law without consequence." No decision on the injunction was made at the time.

In the meantime, from March to May 2025, President Trump nominated Inspectors General for the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Small Business Administration. Cheryl Mason's nomination as inspector general of the Department of Veteran Affairs, a position lawfully occupied by plaintiff Missal, was advanced on June 4. Additionally, that month, Anthony D'Esposito was advanced as a nominee for inspector general of the Department of Labor, a position lawfully occupied by plaintiff Turner. In light of Ms. Mason's progressing nomination, the plaintiffs requested that the court rule expeditiously on the plaintiffs pending dispositive motions.

Judge Reyes denied the motion for a preliminary injunction as well any request for a permanent injunction. The court concluded that while President Trump had almost undoubtedly violated the Inspector General Act of 1978, the plaintiffs failed to show how being denied the opportunity to serve out the 30-day notice period constituted irreparable harm. Moreover, even if the plaintiffs were reinstated, the President could still lawfully remove them after 30 days by providing the required notice to Congress. Thursday court recognized that the plaintiffs may have "deserved better from their government," however, "their theory of harm fails to establish they have suffered--in a legal sense--an irreparable injury that can be compensated with remedies available at law." The court declined to decide the merits of the Plaintiffs' claims and whether the were entitled to other legal remedies pending the Supreme Court's review of Trump v. Slaughter, 2025 WL 2692050 (U.S. Sept. 22, 2025).

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Lacie Melasi (2/23/2025)

Jinan Abufarha (9/28/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69632418/parties/storch-v-hegseth/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Chutter-Ames, Hillary (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Beelaert, Jeffrey S. (District of Columbia)

Costello, David (District of Columbia)

DeSousa, Jeffrey Paul (District of Columbia)

Fiorile, Joseph (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Chutter-Ames, Hillary (District of Columbia)

Himes, Ann E. (District of Columbia)

Ogden, David William (District of Columbia)

Volchok, Daniel S. (District of Columbia)

Waxman, Seth Paul (District of Columbia)

Werle, Nicholas (District of Columbia)

Yood, Benjamin (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Newman, Jeremy Samuel (District of Columbia)

Other

Beelaert, Jeffrey S. (District of Columbia)

Costello, David (District of Columbia)

DeSousa, Jeffrey Paul (District of Columbia)

Fiorile, Joseph (District of Columbia)

Forrester, Nathan Andrew (District of Columbia)

Goelman, Aitan D. (District of Columbia)

GYAMFI, KWAME (District of Columbia)

Hermandorfer, Whitney D. (District of Columbia)

Kilgore, Harrison Gray (District of Columbia)

McCotter, R. Trent (District of Columbia)

Monson, Darrick (District of Columbia)

Reiser, David Adam (District of Columbia)

Swafford, Tyler (District of Columbia)

Taylor, William W. (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:25-cv-00415	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025 Complaint
14 1:25-cv-00415	Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, and Memorandum in Support of Same	Feb. 14, 2025	Feb. 14, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
Judge Refuses to Immediately Reinstate Inspectors General Fired by Trump Chris Cameron	On February 14, 2025, Judge Ana C. Reyes denied the former government watchdogs' emergency request but let their lawsuit proceed on a slower timeline.	Feb. 14, 2025	Feb. 14, 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/...
Letter from Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Regarding Firings of Inspectors General Charles E. Grassley	On January 28, 2025, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) jointly wrote to President Trump days after the purported removals of eighte…	Jan. 28, 2025	Jan. 28, 2025 https://www.grassley.senate.gov/...
Letter by the Chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Hannibal “Mike” Ware	In a letter written in response to the January 24, 2025, emails purporting to remove the IGs, the Chair of the CIGIE explained that the temporary removals were contrary to law and therefore nullities.	Jan. 24, 2025	Jan. 24, 2025 https://www.politico.com/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69632418/storch-v-hegseth/

Last updated Aug. 23, 2026, 4:07 a.m.

Docket for: STORCH v. HEGSETH

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Feb. 12, 2025	COMPLAINT against DENISE L. CARTER, DOUGLAS A. COLLINS, DOROTHY A. FINK, PETE HEGSETH, VINCENT MICONE, MARCO RUBIO, DONALD J. TRUMP, GARY WASHINGTON, EVERETT M. WOODEL, JR ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11474237) filed by LARRY D. TURNER;, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, ROBERT P. STORCH, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet Addendum, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons, # 10 Summons, # 11 Summons)(Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/12/2025) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP 2 Civil Cover Sheet Addendum View on RECAP 3 Summons View on RECAP 4 Summons View on RECAP 5 Summons View on RECAP 6 Summons View on RECAP 7 Summons View on RECAP 8 Summons View on RECAP 9 Summons View on RECAP 10 Summons View on RECAP 11 Summons View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
2	Feb. 12, 2025	SUMMONS (9) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 02/12/2025) 1 Notice and Consent View on PACER	RECAP
3	Feb. 12, 2025	REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE Re: U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. filed by LARRY D. TURNER;, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, ROBERT P. STORCH, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE. (Attachments: # 1 Summons - U.S. Attorney General)(Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
4	Feb. 12, 2025	Case randomly reassigned to Judge Ana C. Reyes. Judge Randolph D. Moss is no longer assigned to the case. (rj) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
5	Feb. 12, 2025	SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zdp) (Entered: 02/12/2025) 1 Notice and Consent View on PACER	RECAP
6	Feb. 12, 2025	STANDING ORDER. The Court hereby ORDERS the parties to comply with its Standing Order. See Standing Order for details. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/12/2025. (lcacr1) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
7	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Seth Paul Waxman on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
8	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
9	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel S. Volchok on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Volchok, Daniel) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
10	Feb. 12, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Addresses, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	RECAP
	Feb. 12, 2025	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	Feb. 12, 2025	Case Assigned to Judge Randolph D. Moss. (zmtm)
	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status re 8 NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David).
	Feb. 12, 2025	Notice of Error- New Case
	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR The following error(s) need correction: Missing summonses- U.S. government. When naming a U.S. government agent or agency as a defendant, you must supply a summons for each defendant & two additional summonses for the U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. Please submit using the event Request for Summons to Issue. (zmtm)
	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status re 8 NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David).Your attorney renewal/government certification has not been received. As a result, your membership with the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia is not in good standing, and you are not permitted to file. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.9, you must immediately correct your membership status by following the appropriate instructions on this page of our website: https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/attorney-renewal. Please be advised that the presiding judge in this case has been notified that you are currently not in good standing to file in this court. Renewal Due by 2/19/2025. (zhcn)
	Feb. 12, 2025	NOTICE of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status re 8 NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David).Your attorney renewal/government certification has not been received. As a result, your membership with the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia is not in good standing, and you are not permitted to file. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.9, you must immediately correct your membership status by following the appropriate instructions on this page of our website: https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/attorney-renewal. Please be advised that the presiding judge in this case has been notified that you are currently not in good standing to file in this court. Renewal Due by 2/19/2025. (zhcn) RESOLVED..... 2/14/2025 (zapb).
	Feb. 12, 2025	RESOLVED.....NOTICE of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status re 8 NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David).Your attorney renewal/government certification has not been received. As a result, your membership with the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia is not in good standing, and you are not permitted to file. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.9, you must immediately correct your membership status by following the appropriate instructions on this page of our website: https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/attorney-renewal. Please be advised that the presiding judge in this case has been notified that you are currently not in good standing to file in this court. Renewal Due by 2/19/2025. (zhcn) Modified on 2/14/2025 (zapb).
	Feb. 12, 2025	RESOLVED.....NOTICE of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status re 8 NOTICE of Appearance by David William Ogden on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER;, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Ogden, David).Your attorney renewal/government certification has not been received. As a result, your membership with the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia is not in good standing, and you are not permitted to file. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.9, you must immediately correct your membership status by following the appropriate instructions on this page of our website: https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/attorney-renewal. Please be advised that the presiding judge in this case has been notified that you are currently not in good standing to file in this court. Renewal Due by 2/19/2025. (zhcn) Modified on 2/14/2025 (zapb).
11	Feb. 13, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Hillary Chutter-Ames on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Chutter-Ames, Hillary) (Entered: 02/13/2025)	RECAP
12	Feb. 13, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Nicholas R. Werle, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11479644. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Nicholas Werle in Support, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/13/2025) 1 Declaration of Nicholas Werle in Support View on PACER 2 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	Feb. 13, 2025	Notice of Provisional/Government Not Certified Status
	Feb. 13, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 10 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/13/2025. (lcacr1)
13	Feb. 14, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremy Samuel Bloch Newman on behalf of All Defendants (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/14/2025)	RECAP
14	Feb. 14, 2025	MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Declaration of Seth P. Waxman and Certificate of Compliance with Local Rule 65.1, # 3 Exhibit A to Waxman Declaration - CIGIE The Inspectors General, # 4 Exhibit B to Waxman Declaration - Letter from Grassley and Durbin, # 5 Exhibit C to Waxman Declaration - Press Gaggle Aboard AF1, Miami, # 6 Declaration of Phyllis K. Fong, # 7 Declaration of Robert P. Storch, # 8 Declaration of Michael J. Missal, # 9 Declaration of Christi A. Grimm, # 10 Declaration of Larry D. Turner, # 11 Declaration of Hannibal "Mike" Ware, # 12 Exhibit A to Ware Declaration - CIGIE Letter, # 13 Declaration of Cardell K. Richardson, # 14 Declaration of Sandra D. Bruce)(Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/14/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 2 Declaration of Seth P. Waxman and Certificate of Compliance with Local Rule 65.1 View on RECAP 3 Exhibit A to Waxman Declaration - CIGIE The Inspectors General View on RECAP 4 Exhibit B to Waxman Declaration - Letter from Grassley and Durbin View on RECAP 5 Exhibit C to Waxman Declaration - Press Gaggle Aboard AF1, Miami View on RECAP 6 Declaration of Phyllis K. Fong View on RECAP 7 Declaration of Robert P. Storch View on RECAP 8 Declaration of Michael J. Missal View on RECAP 9 Declaration of Christi A. Grimm View on RECAP 10 Declaration of Larry D. Turner View on RECAP 11 Declaration of Hannibal "Mike" Ware View on RECAP 12 Exhibit A to Ware Declaration - CIGIE Letter View on RECAP 13 Declaration of Cardell K. Richardson View on RECAP 14 Declaration of Sandra D. Bruce View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
15	Feb. 14, 2025	NOTICE Regarding Virtual Hearing (Joint) by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE re Order, (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/14/2025)	RECAP
	Feb. 14, 2025	.Order
	Feb. 14, 2025	Status Conference AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines
	Feb. 14, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court ORDERS the parties to confer and agree on a time for a virtual hearing this afternoon to take place no later than 5:00pm. Defendants need not respond to the Plaintiffs' motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction beforehand. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/14/2025. (lcacr1)
	Feb. 14, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court ORDERS the parties to confer and agree on a time for a virtual hearing this afternoon to take place no later than 5:00pm. Defendants need not respond to the Plaintiffs' motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction beforehand. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/14/2025. (lcacr1)
	Feb. 14, 2025	Minute Order: The Court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for today, 2/14/2025 at a time later determined by the Court. The hearing can be accessed through dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 787605272. It is hereby ORDERED that the attendees using the public access telephone line shall adhere to the following: persons remotely accessing court proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the presiding Judge. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/14/2025. (zcll)
	Feb. 14, 2025	Minute Order: The Court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for today, 2/14/2025 at 4:30PM ET. The hearing can be accessed through dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 787605272. It is hereby ORDERED that the attendees using the public access telephone line shall adhere to the following: persons remotely accessing court proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the presiding Judge. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/14/2025. (zcll) Modified on 2/14/2025 to add time of hearing (zcll).
	Feb. 14, 2025	Minute Order: The Court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for today, 2/14/2025 at 4:30PM ET. The hearing can be accessed through dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 787605272. It is hereby ORDERED that the attendees using the public access telephone line shall adhere to the following: persons remotely accessing court proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the presiding Judge. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/14/2025. (zcll) Modified on 2/14/2025 to add time of hearing (zcll).
	Feb. 14, 2025	NOTICE of Hearing: Hearing re: ECF 14 set for 2/14/2025 at 4:30 PM by Telephonic/VTC (Audio Line Available) before Judge Ana C. Reyes. (zcll)
	Feb. 14, 2025	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ana C. Reyes: Status Conference held on 2/14/2025 via zoom. Government's opposition to the Preliminary Injunction due by 2/21/2025. Plaintiffs' reply is due by 2/25/2025. (Court Reporter Chandra Kean.) (zcll)
16	Feb. 18, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by David Adam Reiser on behalf of US SENATORS (Reiser, David) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	RECAP
17	Feb. 18, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by William W. Taylor, III on behalf of US SENATORS (Taylor, William) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	RECAP
18	Feb. 18, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Aitan D. Goelman on behalf of US SENATORS (Goelman, Aitan) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	RECAP
19	Feb. 18, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR..... MOTION for Leave to File Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, as Amici Curiae by US SENATORS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Goelman, Aitan) Modified on 2/18/2025 (zdp). (Entered: 02/18/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
20	Feb. 18, 2025	MOTION for Leave to File Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, as Amici Curiae by US SENATORS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Goelman, Aitan) (Entered: 02/18/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
21	Feb. 18, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Tyler Swafford on behalf of US SENATORS (Swafford, Tyler) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	RECAP
	Feb. 18, 2025	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 19 MOTION for Leave to File Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, as Amici Curiae. The following error(s) need correction: Invalid attorney signature- signature on document must match PACER login. Please refile. (zdp)
	Feb. 18, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 20 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by Members of the U.S. Senate. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/18/2025. (lcacr1)
	Feb. 19, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 12 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorney Nicholas Werle is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/19/2025. (lcacr1)
22	Feb. 20, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Nicholas Werle on behalf of ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Werle, Nicholas) (Entered: 02/20/2025)	RECAP
	Feb. 20, 2025	.Order
	Feb. 20, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court ORDERS the parties to contact the Courtroom Deputy, Crystal Love (crystal_love@dcd.uscourts.gov), to schedule a hearing on Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction for the week of March 10, 2025. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/20/2025. (lcacr1)
23	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Nathan Andrew Forrester on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
24	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Darrick Monson on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Monson, Darrick) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
25	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey Paul DeSousa, I on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (DeSousa, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
26	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by David Costello on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Costello, David) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
27	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by R. Trent McCotter on behalf of Eric J. Soskin (McCotter, R. Trent) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
28	Feb. 21, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey S. Beelaert on behalf of Eric J. Soskin (Beelaert, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
29	Feb. 21, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Defendants by Eric J. Soskin. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(McCotter, R. Trent) (Entered: 02/21/2025) 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
30	Feb. 21, 2025	RESPONSE re 14 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by DOUGLAS A. COLLINS, DOROTHY A. FINK, MARCO RUBIO, DENISE L. CARTER, GARY WASHINGTON, VINCENT MICONE, EVERETT M. WOODEL, JR, DONALD J. TRUMP, PETE HEGSETH. (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/21/2025)	RECAP
31	Feb. 24, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR.....AMICUS BRIEF in Support of Defendants and in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by STATE OF FLORIDA. (Forrester, Nathan) Modified on 2/24/2025 (zdp). (Entered: 02/24/2025)	RECAP
32	Feb. 24, 2025	AMICUS BRIEF in Support of Defendants and in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by STATE OF FLORIDA. (DeSousa, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/24/2025)	RECAP
33	Feb. 24, 2025	AMICUS BRIEF OF STATE OF TENNESSEE by STATE OF TENNESSEE. (Hermandorfer, Whitney) Modified on 2/24/2025 to correct filer at the request of counsel (zjm). (Entered: 02/24/2025)	RECAP
34	Feb. 24, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Whitney D. Hermandorfer on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Hermandorfer, Whitney) Modified on 2/24/2025 to correct filer at the request of counsel (zjm). (Entered: 02/24/2025)	RECAP
35	Feb. 24, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Joseph Fiorile on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Fiorile, Joseph) (Entered: 02/24/2025)	RECAP
36	Feb. 24, 2025	AMICUS BRIEF by ERIC J. SOSKIN. (zdp) (Entered: 02/25/2025)	RECAP
	Feb. 24, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 29 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae brief by Eric J. Soskin. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 2/24/2025. (lcacr1)
	Feb. 24, 2025	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 31 Amicus Brief. The following error(s) need correction: Invalid attorney signature- signature on document must match PACER login. Please refile. (zdp)
	Feb. 24, 2025	NOTICE of Hearing on 14 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction : Motion Hearing set for 3/11/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 12- In Person (Audio Line Available) before Judge Ana C. Reyes. (zcll)
37	Feb. 25, 2025	REPLY to opposition to motion re 14 Motion for TRO,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, filed by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 02/25/2025)	RECAP
38	Feb. 28, 2025	TRANSCRIPT OF PRE-MOTION CONFERENCE ON TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER. FTR PROCEEDINGS held before Judge Ana C. Reyes held on February 14, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-5. Date of Issuance:February 15, 2025. Court Reporter/Transcriber Chandra Kean, RMR, Telephone number 202-354-3404. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov.Redaction Request due 3/21/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/31/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/29/2025.(Kean, Chandra) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	RECAP
	March 6, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court ORDERS the parties to file a Joint Status Report by March 7, 2025, stating whether the Court should hold the scheduled preliminary injunction hearing on March 11, 2025, or if instead the Court should consolidate the hearing with the merits per FRCP 65(a)(2). If the former, Plaintiffs should address briefly their current irreparable harm and why the public interest favors them given that, if reinstated, they might serve only 30 days and while on administrative leave. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 3/6/2025. (lcacr1)
	March 6, 2025	.Order
39	March 7, 2025	RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT re Order,, (Joint) filed by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. (Waxman, Seth)	RECAP
	March 8, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court has received the parties' 39 Response to March 6 Order, in which the parties agree that the preliminary injunction hearing should be consolidated with a hearing on the merits of plaintiffs' claims. The Court will hold this consolidated hearing, but not on the current schedule. Accordingly, the Court VACATES the March 11, 2025 hearing and ORDERS the parties to contact the Courtroom Deputy, Alexander Burton (alexander_burton@dcd.uscourts.gov), to schedule a hearing on a permanent injunction for March 25, 26, or 27. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 3/8/25. (lcacr1)
	March 8, 2025	.Order
40	March 10, 2025	NOTICE by ROBERT P. STORCH, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE re 37 Reply to opposition to Motion, (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 03/10/2025)	RECAP
	March 10, 2025	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings
	March 10, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. It is hereby ORDERED that a consolidated Motion Hearing be set for March 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 12- In Person before Judge Ana C. Reyes. Members of the public can access the hearing via Toll Free Number 833-990-9400; Meeting ID 787605272. Attendees using the public access telephone line are reminded of the general prohibition against recording and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 3/10/2025. (zdrf)
	March 25, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The motions hearing on March 27, 2025, will now start at 2:30pm, not at 11:00am. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 3/25/2025. (lcacr1)
	March 25, 2025	.Order
42	March 26, 2025	REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: Non Party Motion For Leave to File Amicus Brief; Kwame Gyamfi. Reason(s): Filer is not a party to the case. (Attachments: # 1 Amicus Brief) (zdp) (Entered: 04/03/2025)	RECAP
	March 27, 2025	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ana C. Reyes: Motion Hearing held on 3/27/2025. Court heard oral arguments on the Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction and took the matter under advisement. (Court Reporter Christine Asif.) (zakb)
41	April 2, 2025	TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Ana C. Reyes held on 3/27/2025; Page Numbers: 1-103. Date of Issuance:4/2/2025. Court Reporter Christine T. Asif, Telephone number 202-354-3247, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 4/23/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/3/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/1/2025.(Asif, Christine) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	RECAP
45	April 7, 2025	REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: NOTICE; Kwame Gyamfi. Reason(s): Filer is not a party to the case. (zdp) (Entered: 04/11/2025)	RECAP
43	April 8, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Ann E. Himes on behalf of SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Himes, Ann) (Entered: 04/08/2025)	RECAP
44	April 8, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Benjamin Yood on behalf of SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Yood, Benjamin) (Entered: 04/08/2025)	RECAP
46	April 14, 2025	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by KWAME GYAMFI. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(zdp) Modified docket text on 4/15/2025 (zdp). (Entered: 04/14/2025) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
	April 18, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 46 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by Kwame Gyamfi. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 4/18/2025. (lcacr1)
47	May 9, 2025	NOTICE of Recent Developments by SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 05/09/2025)	RECAP
48	June 26, 2025	NOTICE of Recent Developments by SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
49	July 15, 2025	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to STATE OF TENNESSEE. Attorney Whitney D. Hermandorfer terminated. (Hermandorfer, Whitney)	RECAP
50	July 22, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Harrison Gray Kilgore on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Kilgore, Harrison)	RECAP
51	July 24, 2025	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to STATE OF TENNESSEE. Attorney Joseph Fiorile terminated. (Fiorile, Joseph) (Entered: 07/24/2025)	RECAP
52	Aug. 1, 2025	NOTICE of Recent Developments by SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE (Waxman, Seth) (Entered: 08/01/2025)	RECAP
53	Sept. 8, 2025	MOTION for Leave to File by KWAME GYAMFI. (Attachments: (1) Memorandum in Support, (2) Text of Proposed Order, (3) Certificate of Service)(znmw) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 3 Certificate of Service View on RECAP	RECAP
	Sept. 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER re 45 Request for Leave to File Review. Leave to file is denied; motion is duplicative. The Court directs the Clerk of the Court to notify Pro Se party by first class mail. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 09/16/2025. (lcacr1) Modified on 9/17/2025 to update order text (zcdw).
	Sept. 17, 2025	MINUTE ORDER. The Court DENIES non-party KWAME GYAMFI's 53 Motion for Leave to File. The motion does not relate to the substance of this case and is therefore not appropriately filed in this matter. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 09/17/2025. (lcacr1)
54	Sept. 24, 2025	MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. The Court DENIES Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, which the Court construes as a Motion for Permanent Injunction. The Court STAYS this case and ORDERS the parties to file a Joint Status Report within 14 days of the Supreme Court's decision in Slaughter addressing whether Plaintiffs plan to seek traditional legal remedies, and if so, proposing a briefing schedule for summary judgment. See Order for details.The Court DENIES as moot Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for TRO. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 09/24/2025. (lcacr1) (Entered: 09/24/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 25, 2025	Case Stayed. (zcdw)
55	Dec. 18, 2025	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. Attorney David William Ogden terminated. (Ogden, David)	RECAP
56	Dec. 18, 2025	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. Attorney Hillary Chutter-Ames terminated. (Chutter-Ames, Hillary)	RECAP
57	March 4, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Zachary Clark on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Clark, Zachary)	RECAP
58	July 13, 2026	Joint STATUS REPORT by SANDRA D. BRUCE, PHYLLIS K. FONG, CHRISTI A. GRIMM, MICHAEL J. MISSAL, CARDELL K. RICHARDSON, SR, ROBERT P. STORCH, LARRY D. TURNER, HANNIBAL MIKE WARE. (Waxman, Seth)	RECAP
	July 20, 2026	MINUTE ORDER. Upon considering the 58 Joint Status Report, the Court directs the parties to follow the pre-motion process set forth in Section 7(f) the Court's 6 Standing Order. The parties shall file simultaneous requests for a pre-motion conference (PMC) in connection with their forthcoming Motions for Summary Judgment on or before August 3, 2026. Each side may respond to the opposing party's PMC request or before August 10, 2026. The parties shall contact the Courtroom Deputy, Chashawn White (chashawn_white@dcd.uscourts.gov), to schedule a PMC the week of August 24, 2026. Signed by Judge Ana C. Reyes on 7/20/2026. (lcacr1)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Appointments/Civil Service

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The duly appointed/confirmed Inspectors General of eight major U.S. agencies—the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, State, Agriculture, Education, Labor, and the Small Business Administration

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-DOJ federal government plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

President Donald Trump

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. Department of Education