Case: Does 1-26 v. Musk

8:25-cv-00462 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Filed Date: Feb. 13, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Elon Musk's role in the Trump Administration and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE"). On February 13, 2025, twenty-six current and former employees and personal services contractors of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) filed this putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. They sued Elon Musk in his official capacity, as well as DOGE and the U.S. DOGE Service, USAID, the Department of State,…

This case challenged Elon Musk's role in the Trump Administration and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE").

On February 13, 2025, twenty-six current and former employees and personal services contractors of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) filed this putative class action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. They sued Elon Musk in his official capacity, as well as DOGE and the U.S. DOGE Service, USAID, the Department of State, and various executive branch officials. Represented by private counsel, plaintiffs alleged that Musk and DOGE exercised "significant authority" over USAID without an office "established by Law" or Senate confirmation, violating the Appointments Clause, and that dismantling USAID contravened separation-of-powers principles. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. The case was assigned to District Judge Theodore D. Chuang.

On March 18, 2025, after briefing and a hearing, the court granted a preliminary injunction. 2025 WL 1505305. It ordered defendants to restore USAID systems access for employees and contractors, refrain from steps tto shut down USAID or disclose personnel data, and file an agreement ensuring USAID could re-occupy its headquarters if plaintiffs ultimately prevailed. 2025 WL 840574. The Fourth Circuit issued a temporary administrative stay on March 25 and a stay pending appeal on March 28. 2025 WL 910413; 2025 WL 1020995.

Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 17, 2025. On June 9, 2025, the Fourth Circuit placed the PI appeal in abeyance pending resolution of motions in the district court, with later extensions to the status-report schedule during the fall 2025 shutdown.

On August 13, 2025, the court granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion to dismiss, dismissing only claims for injunctive/declaratory relief against the President and directing the remaining defendants to answer within 14 days. 2025 WL 2396726. Defendants filed their answer on August 27, 2025. (ECF 154.)

On August 18, 2025, the court certified a Rule 23(b)(2) class and issued a memorandum opinion and order. 2025 WL 2346258. As modified by the court, the class includes USAID civil service, foreign service, foreign service limited, and foreign service national employees, as well as personal services contractors, who were U.S. citizens or working in the United States during the period beginning January 27, 2025, excluding those who served as USAID Administrator or Deputy Administrator. (ECF 152, 153.)

In fall 2025 the court entered a scheduling order and held a September 25 case-management conference. Defendants moved on October 2 for § 1292(b) certification and a stay. Plaintiffs opposed on October 16, and defendants replied October 30. The court denied a request for a shutdown stay on October 27. (ECF 155, 163–66, 169).

On November 4, 2025, defendants moved to extend time to respond to plaintiffs' first discovery requests, citing the complexity of processing agency data. (ECF 174–76.) Plaintiffs opposed the motion, alleging that the government was actively dismantling USAID databases and providing misinformation to the court regarding data preservation. On November 20, 2025, the court granted only a limited extension. The court admonished defendants regarding the preservation of evidence, noting discrepancies between counsel's assurances and public statements by DOGE officials. The court ordered defendants to provide a sworn declaration by December 1, 2025, clarifying the status of the disputed records, and warned that further noncompliance could result in sanctions.

On November 21, 2025, defendants moved for a protective order to block depositions of President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, and other high-ranking officials, invoking the apex doctrine. The motion argued that these officials lacked unique personal knowledge relevant to the case and that the depositions would be unduly burdensome.

The preliminary injunction appeal remained in abeyance in the Fourth Circuit. On November 17, 2025, the court ordered the parties to file status updates every 30 days while district court proceedings continued. 2025 WL 910413; 2025 WL 1020995.

As of December 11, 2025, the apex doctrine motion remained pending and discovery was ongoing.

Summary Authors

Meredith Ulle (2/22/2025)

Emma Vayda (6/26/2025)

Clay Canady (11/5/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69636722/parties/j-doe-4-v-musk/


Judge(s)

Chuang, Theodore David (Maryland)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Chaudhuri, Pooja

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney, Kelly O.

Barmore, Cynthia Anne

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Becker-Cohen, Miriam (Maryland)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

8:25-cv-00462

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Complaint
3

8:25-cv-00462

Plaintiffs’ Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonyms

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
14

8:25-cv-00462

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Feb. 15, 2025

Feb. 15, 2025

Complaint
17

8:25-cv-00462

Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
28

8:25-cv-00462

Defendants’ Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
75

8:25-cv-00462

Preliminary Injunction

Does v. Musk

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Order/Opinion
74

8:25-cv-00462

Order

Does v. Musk

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Order/Opinion
6

25-01273

Emergency Motion for a Stay Pending Appeal and for an Immediate Administrative Stay Pending Disposition of the Stay Motion

Does v. Musk

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
11

25-01273

Reply in Support of Emergency Motion for a Stay Pending Appeal and for an Immediate Administrative Stay Pending Disposition of the Stay Motion

Doe v. Musk

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
10

25-01273

Brief of Plaintiffs' Appellees J.Does 1-26 in Opposition to an Administrative Stay or Stay Pending Appeal

Does v. Musk

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69636722/j-doe-4-v-musk/

Last updated Jan. 5, 2026, 2:50 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

-FILED IN ERROR- NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 re 1 Complaint (Attachments: # 1 Summons)(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 2/13/2025 (bg3s). (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

3

MOTION for Other Relief by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 2/13/2025 (bg3s). (Entered: 02/13/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

Clearinghouse
4

-STRICKEN- COMPLAINT Corrected against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AMDDC-11782877.), filed by J. Does 1-26. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons)(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 2/14/2025 (bg3s). (Entered: 02/13/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

3 Summons

View on RECAP

4 Summons

View on RECAP

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
5

QC NOTICE: 4 Complaint filed by J. Does 1-26 was filed incompletely. **The following attachments or exhibits are missing - Summonses for US Attorney General and US District Attorney for the District of Maryland. To correct this problem, file Summonses for US Attorney General and US District Attorney for the District of Maryland using the event Notice (Other) and link Summonses for US Attorney General and US District Attorney for the District of Maryland to 4 . (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

6

CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/13/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
7

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 re 5 QC Notice - Miscellaneous,, (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

1 Summons

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
8

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Mimi Marzian (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-11784200.) by J. Does 1-26(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
9

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Joaquin Gonzalez (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-11784213.) by J. Does 1-26(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
10

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Rebecca Stevens (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-11784221.) by J. Does 1-26(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
11

Summons Issued 60 days as to Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General(bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
12

ORDER Striking 4 Plaintiffs' Complaint; granting Plaintiffs leave to file, within 7 days of the date of this Order, an Amended Complaint that complies with the Local Rules. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/14/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
13

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
14

COMPLAINT Corrected against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AMDDC-11786942.), filed by J. Does 1-26. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/15/2025)

1 Summons

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

3 Summons

View on RECAP

Feb. 15, 2025

Feb. 15, 2025

Clearinghouse
15

PAPERLESS NOTICE. A CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE is scheduled for February 18, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss 13 NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A MOTION FOR EMERGENCY PRELIMINARY RELIEF. Instructions to join the call will be provided. The call will be recorded, so please do not use speakerphones as they compromise sound quality. Also, we ask that parties not remain on the conference line after the Judge has left the call, to ensure that the line is free for other calls that may be on the Judge's calendar. The parties should also be prepared to address whether they consent to have all further proceedings before a Magistrate Judge and whether they wish to participate in a mediation session with a Magistrate Judge, whether before, during, or after discovery. Parties are expected to consult with their clients and confer with each other on these issues in advance of the Case Management Conference and, if possible, present joint views to the Court. (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/18/2025)

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

16

Case Management Conference held on 2/18/2025 before Judge Theodore D. Chuang. (Court Reporter: FTR Recording\2B) (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) For a transcript please contact nadine_bachmann@mdd.uscourts.gov Modified on 2/19/2025 (nb). (Entered: 02/18/2025)

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

17

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/18/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit

View on RECAP

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
18

ORDER granting Plaintiffs leave to file the Motion for a Preliminary Injunction proposed in ecf No. 13 . The Motion will be deemed timely if filed by 2/18/2025. The Government's Opposition to the Motion is due by 2/24/2025 at 12:00 noon. Plaintiffs' reply brief is due by 2/25/2024 at 12:00 noon; directing that Plaintiffs shall submit a courtesy copy of the Joint Record for the Motion, as described in ecf No. 6, by 2/25/2025; directing that a hearing on the Motion shall be scheduled for 2/27/2025 at 2:00 p.m. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/19/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

19

Correspondence re: Firing of PSCs (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

1 Exhibit

View on RECAP

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

RECAP
20

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Mimi Marzian. Directing attorney Mimi Marzian to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 2/19/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

21

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 9 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Joaquin Gonzalez. Directing attorney Joaquin Gonzalez to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 2/19/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

22

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Rebecca Stevens. Directing attorney Rebecca Stevens to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 2/19/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

23

ORDER directing that Plaintiffs shall submit a correctly cited brief by 2/20/2025 at 4:00 p.m.; directing that parties shall submit courtesy copies of their briefs and accompanying exhibits within 12 hours of electronic filing. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/19/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

RECAP
24

CORRECTED ORDER granting 3 Plaintiffs' Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonyms; granting Plaintiffs leave to file the Motion for Preliminary Injunction proposed in ECF No. 13 . The Motion will be deemed timely if filed by 2/18/2025. The Government's Opposition is due by 2/26/2025 at 12:00 noon. Plaintiffs' Reply brief is due by 2/26/2025 at 12:00 noon; directing that Plaintiffs shall submit a courtesy copy of the Joint Record for the Motion, as described in ECF No. 6, by 2/26/2025 at 4:00 p.m.; directing that a hearing on the Motion shall be scheduled for 2/28/2025 at 2:00p.m. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/20/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/20/2025)

Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

RECAP
25

Correspondence Correcting Earlier Submission: 23 Order, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/20/2025)

1 Exhibit

View on RECAP

Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

RECAP
26

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 02/18/2025, before Judge Chuang. Court Reporter N. Bachmann, Telephone number 410-962-4753 nadine_bachmann@mdd.uscourts.gov. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained from the Court Reporter or through PACER. Redaction Request due 3/17/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/25/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/23/2025.(nb, Court Reporter) (Entered: 02/22/2025)

Feb. 22, 2025

Feb. 22, 2025

27

NOTICE of Appearance by Jacob S. Siler on behalf of All Defendants (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

RECAP
28

RESPONSE to Motion re 17 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit)(Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit

View on RECAP

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

Clearinghouse
29

PAPERLESS NOTICE that a HEARING on 17 Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is scheduled for February 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Theodore D. Chuang at the United States Courthouse located at 6500 Cherrywood Lane in Greenbelt, Maryland. The specific courtroom for the motions hearing will be available the week of the proceeding on the Court's website. (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

30

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

RECAP
31

ORDER re 30 Notice filed by J. Does 1-26 granting Plaintiffs leave to file the proposed Consent Motion for an Extension of Pages for Plaintiffs' Reply Brief. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/25/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

RECAP
32

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

RECAP
33

ORDER granting 32 Plaintiffs' Consent Motion for an Extension of Pages for Plaintiffs' Reply Brief. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/25/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

RECAP
34

-FILED IN ERROR- RESPONSE re 28 Response to Motion, 17 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, REPLY to Response to Motion filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 2/26/2025 (bg3s). (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

35

REPLY to Response to Motion re 17 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Corrected filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

RECAP
36

Correspondence re: Plaintiffs' Response Joint Record (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

RECAP
37

Correspondence re: Joint Record for Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

RECAP
38

-SEALED- MOTION to Seal by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Affidavit, # 3 Affidavit, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

39

NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua E Gardner on behalf of All Defendants (Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
40

-SEALED-Second MOTION to Seal by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Affidavit, # 3 Affidavit, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

41

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 re 40 Second MOTION to Seal Certificate of Service (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
42

Request for Conference (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
43

PAPERLESS NOTICE. A CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE is scheduled for February 28, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss 42 REQUEST FOR CONFERENCE. Instructions to join the call will be provided. The call will be recorded, so please do not use speakerphones as they compromise sound quality. Also, we ask that parties not remain on the conference line after the Judge has left the call, to ensure that the line is free for other calls that may be on the Judge's calendar. (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

44

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER REGARDING HIGHLY SENSITIVE WITNESS DECLARATIONS. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/27/2025. (bw5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/28/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
45

ORDER regarding Electronic Devices in the Courtroom. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 2/28/2025. (bw5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/28/2025)

Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

RECAP
47

Motion Hearing held on 2/28/2025 before Judge Theodore D. Chuang re 17 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by J. Does 1-26. (Court Reporter: Paula Leeper\2B) (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 02/28/2025)

Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

48

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 New Evidence Not Previously Available (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

RECAP
49

-SEALED-Second MOTION to Seal Witness Declarations by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Ex. 71-73, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

50

ORDER Granting Plaintiffs leave to file a Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/3/2025. (bas, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

RECAP
51

MOTION for Leave to File to Supplement Record by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

RECAP
52

Sealed Document(pl, Court Reporter) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

53

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings - Preliminary Injunction Hearing - held on 2/28/2025, before Judge Theodore D. Chuang. Court Reporter Paula Leeper, Telephone number (301)344-3229. Total number of pages filed: 141. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained from the Court Reporter or through PACER. Redaction Request due 3/25/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/4/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/2/2025.(pl, Court Reporter) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

54

NOTICE of Appearance by James J. Wen on behalf of All Defendants (Wen, James) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

RECAP
55

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 Notice of New Facts Subject to Judicial Notice or, in the alternative, Intent to File a Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

RECAP
56

ORDER granting Plaintiffs leave to file a Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record; directing that in the Motion, Plaintiffs shall inform the Court as to whether Defendants consent to the Motion. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/5/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

RECAP
57

Second MOTION for Leave to File to Supplement Record by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

1 Exhibit

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

RECAP
58

ORDER granting 57 Plaintiffs' Second Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record; directing that Defendants shall inform the Court as to whether they consent to 51 Plaintiffs' first Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record by 3/7/2025 at 12:00 noon. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/6/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

RECAP
59

RESPONSE to Motion re 51 MOTION for Leave to File to Supplement Record filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service.(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

RECAP
60

NOTICE by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service re 28 Response to Motion Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Transcript of TRO decision in Personal Services Contractor Association v. Trump)(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

1 Exhibit Transcript of TRO decision in Personal Services Contractor Association v

View on RECAP

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

RECAP
61

ORDER granting in part 51 Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to Supplement the Record; directing that Plaintiffs shall provide Defendants with their 49 second Motion to Seal and to Proceed Under Pseudonyms by 3/7/2025 at 3:00 p.m.; directing that Defendants shall inform the Court as to whether they consent to 49 Plaintiffs' second Motion to Seal and to Proceed Under Pseudonyms by 3/10/2025 at 12:00 noon. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/7/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

RECAP
62

RESPONSE in Opposition re 40 Second MOTION to Seal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service.(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

RECAP
63

QC NOTICE: 62 Response in Opposition to Motion filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service was filed incompletely. **The following attachments or exhibits are missing - Proposed Order. To correct this problem, file Proposed Order using the event Notice (Other) and link Proposed Order to 62 . (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

64

NOTICE by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service re 62 Response in Opposition to Motion Proposed Order (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

RECAP
65

REPLY to Response to Motion re 51 MOTION for Leave to File to Supplement Record filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

RECAP
66

ORDER directing that by 3/13/2025 at 12:00 noon, Defendants shall supplement the record for the purposes of addressing 17 Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/10/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

RECAP
67

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/11/2025)

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

RECAP
68

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Attachment 1, # 2 Attachment Attachment 2)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/11/2025)

1 Attachment Attachment 1

View on RECAP

2 Attachment Attachment 2

View on RECAP

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

RECAP
69

RESPONSE re 66 Order filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Category 1, # 2 Attachment Category 2, # 3 Attachment Category 3, # 4 Attachment Category 4, # 5 Attachment Category 5, # 6 Attachment Category 6, # 7 Attachment Category 7, # 8 Attachment Category 8, # 9 Attachment Category 9)(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

1 Attachment Category 1

View on RECAP

2 Attachment Category 2

View on RECAP

3 Attachment Category 3

View on RECAP

4 Attachment Category 4

View on RECAP

5 Attachment Category 5

View on RECAP

6 Attachment Category 6

View on RECAP

7 Attachment Category 7

View on RECAP

8 Attachment Category 8

View on RECAP

9 Attachment Category 9

View on RECAP

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

RECAP
70

Correspondence Correcting Earlier Submission: 69 Response, (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Category 1, # 2 Attachment Category 2, # 3 Attachment Category 3, # 4 Attachment Category 4 (corrected), # 5 Attachment Category 5, # 6 Attachment Category 6, # 7 Attachment Category 7, # 8 Attachment Category 8, # 9 Attachment Category 9)(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

1 Attachment Category 1

View on RECAP

2 Attachment Category 2

View on RECAP

3 Attachment Category 3

View on RECAP

4 Attachment Category 4 (corrected)

View on RECAP

5 Attachment Category 5

View on RECAP

6 Attachment Category 6

View on RECAP

7 Attachment Category 7

View on RECAP

8 Attachment Category 8

View on RECAP

9 Attachment Category 9

View on RECAP

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

RECAP
71

RESPONSE re 69 Response, 70 Correcting earlier submission, filed by J. Does 1-26. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit)(Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/14/2025)

1 Exhibit

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit

View on RECAP

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

RECAP
72

RESPONSE re 68 Notice (Other) filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service.(Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 03/14/2025)

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

RECAP
73

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/18/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

RECAP
74

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 17 Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/18/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
75

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/18/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
76

Money Order Received on 3/19/2025 from State Democracy Defenders. Check Number: 77965019506. Amount: $100. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

77

MOTION re 75 Preliminary Injunction for Clarification or Modification by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Appointment Document, # 2 Exhibit Declaration of Jeremy Lewin, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

1 Exhibit Appointment Document

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit Declaration of Jeremy Lewin

View on RECAP

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
78

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 re 77 MOTION re 75 Preliminary Injunction for Clarification or Modification Requesting Response to Defendants' Motion (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
79

ORDER denying 77 Defendants' Motion for Clarification or Modification. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/20/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
80

NOTICE OF APPEAL by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service. (Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
81

ORDER granting 38 Plaintiffs' Motion to Seal and Proceed under Pseudonyms; granting 40 Plaintiffs' Motion to Seal and Proceed under Pseudonyms; granting 49 Plaintiffs' Motion to Seal and Proceed under Pseudonyms. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/21/2025. (bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
82

Transmission of Notice of Appeal and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals re 80 Notice of Appeal. IMPORTANT NOTICE: To access forms which you are required to file with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit please go to http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov and click on Forms & Notices.(kns, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
83

USCA Case Number 25-1273 for 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service. Case Manager - Cyndi Halupa (kns, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

RECAP
84

RETURN DOCUMENT ORDER. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 3/24/2025. (Attachments: # 1 First Page of Returned Document)(c/m 3/24/2025 bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

1 First Page of Returned Document

View on RECAP

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

RECAP
85

ORDER of USCA "Granting" Motion for Temporary Administrative Stay as to 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service (av4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/25/2025)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

RECAP
86

ORDER of USCA the court orders that the district courts preliminary injunction dated March 18, 2025, as clarified by its order dated March 20, 2025, be stayed and hereby is stayed until the close of business on Friday, March 28, 2025 as to 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service. (slss, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 03/28/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

RECAP
87

ORDER of USCA Granting the motion of Graham White to withdraw from further representation on appeal as to 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk and United States DOGE Service. (slss, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

RECAP
88

ORDER of USCA the Court orders that the district courts preliminary injunction dated March 18, 2025, as clarified by its order dated March 20, 2025, be STAYED and hereby is STAYED pending the resolution of this appeal as to 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk and United States DOGE Service. (slss, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

RECAP
89

ORDER of USCA Granting the motion of Abby Wright to withdraw from further representation as to 80 Notice of Appeal filed by Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service (jh6s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

RECAP
90

RETURN DOCUMENT ORDER. Signed by Judge Theodore D. Chuang on 4/4/2025. (Attachments: # 1 First Page of Returned Document)(c/m 4/4/2025 bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

1 First Page of Returned Document

View on RECAP

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

RECAP
91

Correspondence re: Request to Set Pre-Motion & Scheduling Conference (Mays, Tianna) (Entered: 04/16/2025)

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

RECAP
92

(FILED IN ERROR) AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 4/18/2025 (heps). (Entered: 04/17/2025)

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

93

CORRECTED AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by J. Does 1-26.(Mays, Tianna) Modified on 4/18/2025 (heps). (Entered: 04/17/2025)

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

RECAP
94

QC NOTICE: 93 Amended Complaint filed by J. Does 1-26 was filed incorrectly. **The following attachments or exhibits are missing - redline pursuant to Local Rule 103.6(c) and summonses for newly added defendants. Please file the redline and summonses using the event Notice (Other) and link it to 93 Amended Complaint (bw5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

95

Request for Conference (Gardner, Joshua) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

RECAP
96

NOTICE of Appearance by Garry Daniel Hartlieb on behalf of All Defendants (Hartlieb, Garry) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

97

NOTICE by J. Does 1-26 re 93 Amended Complaint Redlined Amended Complaint (Attachments: # 1 Summons Summons for Peter Marocco, # 2 Summons Summons for Marco Rubio, # 3 Summons Summons for USAID, # 4 Summons Summons for Dept. of State, # 5 Summons Summons for President Trump, # 6 Summons Summons for Kenneth Jackson, # 7 Summons Summons for Jeremy Lewin, # 8 Summons Summons for Amy Gleason)(Mays, Tianna) (Additional attachment(s) added on 4/22/2025: # 9 Flattened Summons - Trump) (bg3s). (Entered: 04/21/2025)

1 Summons Summons for Peter Marocco

View on RECAP

2 Summons Summons for Marco Rubio

View on RECAP

3 Summons Summons for USAID

View on RECAP

4 Summons Summons for Dept. of State

View on RECAP

5 Summons Summons for President Trump

View on PACER

6 Summons Summons for Kenneth Jackson

View on RECAP

7 Summons Summons for Jeremy Lewin

View on RECAP

8 Summons Summons for Amy Gleason

View on RECAP

9 Flattened Summons - Trump

View on RECAP

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

98

PAPERLESS NOTICE. A CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE is scheduled for April 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss 91 NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION and 95 NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A MOTION TO DISMISS. Instructions to join the call will be provided. The call will be recorded, so please do not use speakerphones as they compromise sound quality. Also, we ask that parties not remain on the conference line after the Judge has left the call, to ensure that the line is free for other calls that may be on the Judge's calendar. The parties should also be prepared to address whether they consent to have all further proceedings before a Magistrate Judge and whether they wish to participate in a mediation session with a Magistrate Judge, whether before, during, or after discovery. Parties are expected to consult with their clients and confer with each other on these issues in advance of the Case Management Conference and, if possible, present joint views to the Court. (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

99

Summons Issued 60 days as to Amy Gleason, Kenneth Jackson, Jeremy Lewin, Peter Marocco, Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, United States Agency for International Development, and United States Department of State(bg3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

100

Case Management Conference held on 4/22/2025 before Judge Theodore D. Chuang. (Court Reporter: FTR Recording\2B) (ds2s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

101

NOTICE of Appearance by Christopher M Lynch on behalf of All Defendants (Lynch, Christopher) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

Maryland

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 13, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are 26 current and former employees of USAID.

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. DOGE Services (District of Columbia), Federal

Department of Government Efficiency (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Constitutional Clause(s):

Appointments Clause

Separation of Powers

Other Dockets:

District of Maryland 8:25-cv-00462

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 25-01273

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Access to information systems

DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency)