Case: Aviel v. Gor

1:25-00778 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: March 17, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On February 19, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14158, “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”, which had a stated purpose of “reduc[ing] the size of the Federal Government” and identified several federal entities, including the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), that “shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”  Two days after the EO’s signing, administration officials told the IAF’s president, Sara Aviel, and other IAF officials that the…

On February 19, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14158, “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”, which had a stated purpose of “reduc[ing] the size of the Federal Government” and identified several federal entities, including the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), that “shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”  Two days after the EO’s signing, administration officials told the IAF’s president, Sara Aviel, and other IAF officials that the administration intended to lay off most, if not all, of IAF’s employees and terminate all but a handful of its grants and contracts. Aviel was told that if the Board was not aligned with this plan, it would be replaced.

On February 26, 2025, Aviel was informed in an email that she had been terminated from her position. Two days later, IAF’s COO was told that President Trump had appointed an acting IAF Board Chair and that “there were no other remaining members of the Board of the IAF.” The acting Board Chair then sent a directive to the U.S. Treasury’s Administrative Resource Center commanding that it terminate IAF’s contracts. All but a handful of “critical” contracts were terminated. Not long after, the acting Board Chair named himself as Board Chair, President, and CEO of the IAF. He and DOGE then notified “most IAF staff that they would be placed on administrative leave.”

On March 17, 2025, Aviel filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against President Trump, the remaining IAF board member, and several other officials. She contended that her removal from office and the grant cancellations were unlawful; she sought an injunction to restore her to her prior position and to restore the grants. The same day, she filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. The case was assigned to District Judge Loren L. AliKhan. On March 27, 2025 The case was consolidated with the motions in Cristobol Human Rights v. Marocco as arising under the same event and having the same question of fact. 

At a status conference on March 19, 2025, the government informed the court that it had already installed its own IAF leader and reduced certain parts of the agency’s budget. To keep matters stable while the parties briefed Aviel’s motion, the defendants agreed to (1) suspend a deadline that would have forced IAF grantees to return outstanding grant funds and (2) hold any money already turned over in IAF accounts until the court ruled.  

Judge AliKhan granted the preliminary injunction on April 4, 2025. She concluded that (1) Aviel qualified as an “inferior officer” under the Constitution’s Appointments Clause; (2) Aviel was likely to demonstrate that the President lacked authority to remove her; (3) the acting board member who purported to dismiss her likewise lacked that power; (4) Aviel would suffer irreparable harm without immediate relief; and (5) the balance of equities and the public interest favored issuing the injunction.

The government appealed on April 7, 2025, and filed a motion for a stay pending that appeal. The court of appeals denied a stay on June 6, 2025, over a dissent by Judge Rao.  The appeal is ongoing.

While the appeal is pending, summary judgment motions are being briefed in the district court. 

Summary Authors

Liv Akkerman-Byram (7/29/2025)

Related Cases

Cristobol Human Rights v. Marocco, District of District of Columbia (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69746961/parties/aviel-v-gor/


Judge(s)

Mehta, Amit Priyavadan (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Chou, Aaron (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Albini, Courtney

Attorney, Mark Reiling

Bardo, John (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
5

1:25-00778

Plaintiff's Motion for Immediate Administrative Stay, Temporary Restraining Order, and Preliminary Injunction

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
1

1:25-00778

Complaint

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Complaint
13

1:25-00778

Order

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Order/Opinion
22

1:25-00778

Opinion granting preliminary injunction

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1009035

34

1:25-00778

Order

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Order/Opinion
48

1:25-00778

Defendants’ Consent Motion to Vacate the Obligation to File an Answer

May 31, 2025

May 31, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
1208746275

25-05105

Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Order/Opinion
1208746397

25-05105

Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69746961/aviel-v-gor/

Last updated Aug. 19, 2025, 7:41 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against ALL DEFENDANTS ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11547346) filed by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons Summons, # 3 Summons Summons, # 4 Summons Summons, # 5 Summons Summons, # 6 Summons Summons, # 7 Summons Summons, # 8 Summons Summons, # 9 Summons Summons)(Moore, M.) (Attachment 1 replaced to remove fillable form on 3/17/2025) (zjd). Modified docket text per counsel on 3/18/2025 (mg). (Entered: 03/17/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons Summons

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3 Summons Summons

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4 Summons Summons

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5 Summons Summons

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6 Summons Summons

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7 Summons Summons

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8 Summons Summons

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9 Summons Summons

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March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Assigned/Reassigned

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER

Notice of Error- New Case

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
2

NOTICE of Appearance by M. Moore on behalf of SARA AVIEL (Moore, M.) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
3

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Aaron Zelinsky, Fee Status: No Fee Paid. by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Moore, M.) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
4

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Aaron Chou, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11548135. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Moore, M.) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
5

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Moore, M.) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

1

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March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Clearinghouse
6

NOTICE of Appearance by John Bardo on behalf of SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP (Bardo, John) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Amit P. Mehta. (zjd)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
7

SUMMONS (8) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent) (zjd) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER

NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR regarding 1 Complaint. The following error needs 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. (zjd)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER
8

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons)(Moore, M.) Modified event on 3/18/2025 (mg). (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

PACER

Payment for 3 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Aaron Zelinsky, Fee Status: No Fee Paid.. ($100; Receipt number ADCDC-11548627). (Moore, M.)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Payment of Fee- Pro Hac Vice Motion

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Scheduling Order

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
9

SUMMONS (10) Issued Electronically as to SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (mg) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
10

Case randomly reassigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan. Judge Amit P. Mehta is no longer assigned to the case. (ztnr) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 3, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and AARON ZELINSKY is granted leave to appear pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civ. R. 83.6(a). Click for Instructions. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 3/18/2025. (lclla3)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 4, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and AARON CHOU is granted leave to appear pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civ. R. 83.6(a). Click for Instructions. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 3/18/2025. (lclla3)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall appear for a Status Conference regarding Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction 5 on March 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 21.The court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing. The hearing can be accessed by dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400 (Meeting ID: 715234770). 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 any 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 Loren L. AliKhan on 3/18/2025. (lclla3)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Aaron Simcha Jon Zelinsky on behalf of SARA AVIEL (Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Aaron Chou on behalf of SARA AVIEL (Chou, Aaron) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference re: Motion 5 for TRO/PI set for 3/19/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 21 (in person with audio line available) before Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (mhp)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

Status Conference

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

Scheduling Order

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
13

ORDER directing Defendants to file a status report and declaration by 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2025, and directing Plaintiff to file a response by 5:30 p.m. on March 19, 2025. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 3/19/2025. (lclla3) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Clearinghouse

Minute Entry for STATUS CONFERENCE held on 3/19/2025 before Judge Loren L. AliKhan: The matter comes before the court for a scheduling conference on Plaintiff's Motion 5 for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. Aaron Zelinsky, Aaron Chou, and M. Moore present on behalf of Plaintiff. John Bardo and John C. Truong present on behalf of Defendants. Defendants agreed to extend the deadline for grantees to return funding and notify all grantees of the extension. For the reasons stated from the bench and further explained in the court's March 19, 2025 Order 13, Defendants shall file their status report and declaration by 4PM on March 19, 2025 and Plaintiff shall file her response by 5:30PM on March 19, 2025. The court will set a briefing schedule after considering the parties' supplemental filings. Plaintiff's oral request to relieve counsel M. Moore from future hearings, granted. (Court Reporter Jeffrey Hook)(mhp)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
14

NOTICE re 13 Order by SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(Bardo, John) Modified to add link on 3/20/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 03/19/2025)

1 Affidavit

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March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
15

NOTICE Supplemental Notice of Compliance by SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP re 14 Notice (Other) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

1 Exhibit

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March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE in Response to Defendants' Notice by SARA AVIEL re 14 Notice (Other) (Chou, Aaron) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP
17

TRANSCRIPT OF STATUS CONFERENCE before Judge Loren L. AliKhan held on March 19, 2025. Page Numbers: 1 - 46. Date of Issuance: March 19, 2025. Court Reporter: Jeff Hook. Telephone number: 202-354-3373. 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 4/9/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/19/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/17/2025.(Hook, Jeff) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' notices and exhibits 14 15 16 and Defendants' representations at the Scheduling Conference held on March 19, 2025, it is hereby ORDERED that the following schedule shall govern briefing on Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction 5 : Defendants shall file their opposition to the motion on or before March 26, 2025; and Plaintiff shall file her reply on or before March 31, 2025. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall file a status report on or before 12:00 p.m. on March 20, 2025, providing a description or copy of the notice that they sent to all IAF grantees by 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2025, informing them that the deadline for returning funds has been extended until the court rules on Plaintiff's motion. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall convene for a hearing on Plaintiff's motion at 2:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025 in Courtroom 21. The court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the April 2, 2025 hearing. The hearing can be accessed by dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400 (Meeting ID: 715234770). 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 any 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 Loren L. AliKhan on 3/19/2025. (lclla3)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
18

STATUS REPORT by SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP. (Bardo, John) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
19

Memorandum in opposition to re 5 Motion for TRO filed by SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

1 Exhibit

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

RECAP

.Order

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the motions hearing currently set for 2:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025 in Courtroom 21 is consolidated with the motions hearing in Cristosal Human Rights v. Marocco, No. 25-CV-857. The cases are not consolidated for any other purpose at this time. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 3/27/202. (lclla3)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
20

REPLY to opposition to motion re 5 Motion for TRO and Preliminary Injunction filed by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit)(Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 03/31/2025)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

RECAP
21

NOTICE by SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, AMY GLEASON, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SCOTT BESSENT, DONALD J. TRUMP (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/02/2025)

1 Exhibit

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April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

RECAP

Minute Entry for MOTION HEARING held on 4/2/2025 before Judge Loren L. AliKhan: The matter comes before the court for Plaintiff's Motion 5 for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. Aaron Zelinsky and Aaron Chou present on behalf of Plaintiff. John Bardo and John C. Truong present on behalf of Defendants. Plaintiff's motion was heard in consolidation with the Motion for a Preliminary Injunction in Case No. 25-CV-857. Both matters were fully briefed, argued, and taken under advisement. (Court Reporter Jeffrey Hook)(mhp) Modified on 4/3/2025 (mhp)

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER

1 - Terminate Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings AND 1 - Terminate Scheduling Order Deadlines AND 1 - Terminate Trial Management Order Deadlines AND Motion Hearing

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
22

MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction 5 . See Opinion for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/4/2025. (lclla3) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

Clearinghouse

Set/Reset Deadlines

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

PACER
23

ORDER: For the reasons explained in the court's Memorandum Opinion 22, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction 5 is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall provide written notice of the court's order to the IAF's employees and grantees by 4:30 p.m. on April 4, 2025. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall file a status report on or before April 7, 2025 apprising the court of the status of their compliance with this Order. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall meet and confer and file a joint status report proposing next steps in this proceeding on or before April 9, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/4/2025. (lclla3) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

RECAP

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Status of Compliance due by 4/7/2025. Joint Status Report due by 4/9/2025. (mhp)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

PACER
24

NOTICE Regarding Lack of Access to IAF Computer Systems by SARA AVIEL re 23 Order on Motion for TRO,, (Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 04/05/2025)

April 5, 2025

April 5, 2025

RECAP

Scheduling Order

April 5, 2025

April 5, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants shall file a response to Plaintiff's Notice 24 by 3:30 p.m. on April 5, 2025, apprising the court of their compliance with the court's April 4, 2025 Order 23 . Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/5/2025. (lclla3)

April 5, 2025

April 5, 2025

PACER
25

NOTICE In Response to Apr. 5, 2025 Minute Order by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION (Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/05/2025)

April 5, 2025

April 5, 2025

RECAP
26

NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT by AMY GLEASON, PETE MAROCCO, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, DONALD J. TRUMP, SERGIO GOR, SCOTT BESSENT, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/06/2025)

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

RECAP

.Order

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

PACER
27

MOTION to Stay Order Pending Appeal by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/06/2025)

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

RECAP
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Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed (Memorandum Opinion), and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals docketing fee was not paid because the appeal was filed by the government re 26 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court. (zjd) (Entered: 04/06/2025)

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

RECAP

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Defendants' Motion to Stay Order Pending Appeal 27, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff shall file her opposition to the motion on or before noon on April 8, 2025, and Defendants shall file their reply on or before 6:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 04/06/2025. (lclla3)

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Deadlines: Pltf's Response due by 4/8/2025 on or before noon and Defts Reply due by 4/8/2025 on or before 6PM. (mhp)

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

PACER

Notice of Error

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

Set/Reset Deadlines

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 24 Notice (Other). The following error(s) occurred: Incorrect format (Letter)- correspondence is not permitted (LCvR 5.1(a)). All documents must be in pleading format. Future letters will be entered in error. (znmw)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

USCA Case Number

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

USCA Case Number 25-5105 for 26 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, AMY GLEASON, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, SERGIO GOR, SCOTT BESSENT. (mg)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
29

STATUS REPORT by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

RECAP
30

RESPONSE re 27 MOTION to Stay Order Pending Appeal filed by SARA AVIEL. (Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

RECAP
31

TRANSCRIPT OF MOTION HEARING before Judge Loren L. AliKhan held on April 2, 2025. Page Numbers: 1 - 124. Date of Issuance: April 8, 2025. Court Reporter: Jeff Hook. Telephone number: 202-354-3373. 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 4/29/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/9/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/7/2025.(Hook, Jeff) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
32

REPLY to opposition to motion re 27 Motion to Stay, filed by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

RECAP
33

Joint STATUS REPORT Parties' Joint Status Report by SARA AVIEL re 23 Order on Motion for TRO,, (Zelinsky, Aaron) Modified event title on 4/10/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 04/09/2025)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

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34

ORDER denying Defendants' Motion to Stay Pending Appeal 27 . See Order for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/10/2025. (lclla3) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Clearinghouse

Scheduling Order

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' Joint Status Report 33, it is hereby ORDERED that the following schedule shall govern summary judgment briefing in this case: (1) Plaintiff shall file her motion for summary judgment on or before April 18, 2025; (2) Defendants shall file their opposition and any cross-motion for summary judgment on or before May 2, 2025; (3) Plaintiff shall file her reply and opposition to Defendants' cross-motion for summary judgment, if any, on or before May 9, 2025; and (4) Defendants shall file their reply in support of their cross-motion for summary judgment, if any, on or before May 16, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/10/2025. (lclla3)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
35

MOTION for Summary Judgment by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Declaration of S. Aviel, # 3 Declaration of E. Arriola, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Exhibit G, # 9 Exhibit H, # 10 Exhibit I, # 11 Exhibit J, # 12 Exhibit K, # 13 Exhibit L, # 14 Exhibit M, # 15 Exhibit N - Placeholder, # 16 Exhibit O, # 17 Text of Proposed Order)(Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

1 Statement of Facts

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2 Declaration of S. Aviel

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3 Declaration of E. Arriola

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Exhibit E

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7 Exhibit F

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8 Exhibit G

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9 Exhibit H

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10 Exhibit I

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11 Exhibit J

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12 Exhibit K

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13 Exhibit L

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14 Exhibit M

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15 Exhibit N - Placeholder

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16 Exhibit O

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17 Text of Proposed Order

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April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

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36

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by SARA AVIEL (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit C, # 2 Exhibit D, # 3 Exhibit E, # 4 Exhibit H, # 5 Exhibit K, # 6 Exhibit N, # 7 Text of Proposed Order)(Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal 36, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and Plaintiff's Motion to Seal and its attached exhibits, ECF Nos. 36, 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, 36-5, and 36-6 shall be filed under seal. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/22/2025. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons)(zmhp) Modified on 4/22/2025(zmhp)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

PACER
37

SEALED DOCUMENT (Exhibits) filed by SARA AVIEL re 35 Motion for Summary Judgment. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D, # 2 Exhibit E, # 3 Exhibit H, # 4 Exhibit K, # 5 Exhibit N)(znmw) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

PACER
38

MOTION for Extension of Time to Brief Summary Judgment by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

PACER
39

RESPONSE re 38 MOTION for Extension of Time to Brief Summary Judgment filed by SARA AVIEL. (Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the Defendants' Motion for an Extension of Time 38, Plaintiff's Opposition 39, and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(b)(1)(B), it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. The following schedule shall govern the remainder of summary judgment briefing in this matter: (1) Defendants shall file their opposition and any cross-motion for summary judgment on or before May 7, 2025; (2) Plaintiff shall file her reply and opposition to Defendants' cross-motion for summary judgment, if any, on or before May 14, 2025; and (3) Defendants shall file their reply in support of their cross-motion for summary judgment, if any, on or before May 21, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 51/2025. (lclla3)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

PACER
42

Memorandum in opposition to re 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (See Docket Entry 40 to view document). (znmw) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

PACER
40

Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts Defendants' Statement of Facts, # 2 Statement of Facts Response to Plaintiff's Statement of Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 05/07/2025)

1 Statement of Facts Defendants' Statement of Facts

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2 Statement of Facts Response to Plaintiff's Statement of Facts

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3 Text of Proposed Order

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May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

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41

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. SCOTT BESSENT served on 3/31/2025; STEPHEN EHIKIAN served on 3/31/2025; AMY GLEASON served on 3/31/2025; SERGIO GOR served on 3/31/2025; PETE MAROCCO served on 3/31/2025; DONALD J. TRUMP served on 3/31/2025; U.S. DOGE SERVICE served on 3/31/2025; U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION served on 3/31/2025, RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 4/1/2025. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 5/31/2025.), RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 3/31/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipts, # 2 Exhibit Email Receipt)(Chou, Aaron) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipts

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2 Exhibit Email Receipt

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May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

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Memorandum in opposition to motion

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

PACER
43

Memorandum in opposition to re 40 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by SARA AVIEL. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts Consolidated Reply and Response, # 2 Exhibit P)(Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 05/14/2025)

1 Statement of Facts Consolidated Reply and Response

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2 Exhibit P

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May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025

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44

REPLY to opposition to motion re 35 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by SARA AVIEL. (Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 05/14/2025)

May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025

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45

REPLY to opposition to motion re 40 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Bardo, John) (Entered: 05/21/2025)

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

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NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Trump v. Wilcox Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 05/23/2025)

May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025

PACER
47

RESPONSE by SARA AVIEL re 46 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY (Zelinsky, Aaron) Modified event title on 5/29/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 05/28/2025)

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

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Consent MOTION to Vacate Obligation to File an Answer by SCOTT BESSENT, STEPHEN EHIKIAN, AMY GLEASON, SERGIO GOR, PETE MAROCCO, DONALD J. TRUMP, U.S. DOGE SERVICE, U.S. DOGE SERVICE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 05/31/2025)

May 31, 2025

May 31, 2025

Clearinghouse

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' Consent Motion to Vacate the Obligation to File an Answer 48, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and Defendants' obligation to file an answer is VACATED. The court will rule on the parties' cross-motions for summary judgment forthwith. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 6/2/2025. (lclla3)

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion to Vacate

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

PACER
49

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by SARA AVIEL (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Opinion of Motions Panel)(Zelinsky, Aaron) (Entered: 06/08/2025)

1 Exhibit A - Opinion of Motions Panel

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June 8, 2025

June 8, 2025

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50

MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment 35 and Defendants' Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment 40 . See opinion for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/14/2025. (lclla3)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

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ORDER: For the reasons explained in the court's Memorandum Opinion 50, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment 35 is GRANTED and Defendants' Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment 40 is DENIED. This order constitutes a final judgment of the court within the meaning of Rule 58(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The Clerk of Court is directed to terminate the case. See order for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/14/2025. (lclla3) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

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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

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Appointments/Civil Service)

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Spending Freezes/Cuts)

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Authority of Independent Agencies )

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 17, 2025

Closing Date: Aug. 14, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Sara Aviel: President and CEO of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Inter-American Foundation, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Spending/Appropriations Clauses

Appointments Clause

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Reinstatement

Issues

General/Misc.:

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Appointment Authority

DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency)