Case: RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake [Radio Free Europe]

1:25-cv-00799 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: March 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This lawsuit challenged the Trump administration’s withholding of congressionally appropriated funding from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a private nonprofit journalism organization established by Congress to promote press freedom abroad. On March 18, 2025, RFE/RL filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Kari Lake (Senior Advisor to USAGM’s acting CEO), and Victor Morales (Acting CEO of USAGM), alleg…

This lawsuit challenged the Trump administration’s withholding of congressionally appropriated funding from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a private nonprofit journalism organization established by Congress to promote press freedom abroad. On March 18, 2025, RFE/RL filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Kari Lake (Senior Advisor to USAGM’s acting CEO), and Victor Morales (Acting CEO of USAGM), alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), constitutional claims under the Appropriations, Presentment, Spending, and Take Care Clauses, and separation-of-powers principles. RFE/RL was represented by Covington & Burling LLP.

The case was assigned to Judge Royce C. Lamberth.

The dispute arose following President Trump’s March 2025 Executive Order "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy," which sought to eliminate non-essential federal functions. In March 2025, USAGM terminated RFE/RL’s longstanding annual grant agreement, withheld appropriated funds, and proposed new restrictive terms for a replacement grant agreement, including conditions that would have severely undermined RFE/RL’s operational independence and altered its governance structure.

In response, RFE/RL sought immediate relief through a series of motions for temporary restraining orders (TROs). The court granted TROs for March, April, May, and June 2025, repeatedly finding that USAGM unlawfully withheld congressionally appropriated funds, acted arbitrarily and capriciously, and failed to negotiate in good faith.

Meanwhile, the government appealed the April TRO decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On May 7, a divided motions panel granted the government’s request to stay the district court’s April TRO. However, the full D.C. Circuit administratively stayed the panel’s decision later that day, allowing the TRO to remain in effect pending en banc review. Subsequently, on May 22, the government moved to voluntarily dismiss its own appeal. RFE/RL opposed dismissal, requesting vacatur of the panel’s stay decision. On July 1, 2025, the D.C. Circuit granted voluntary dismissal, denied vacatur, and dissolved the administrative stay, leaving the district court’s TRO in effect.

On July 18, the district court granted RFE/RL’s motion for a preliminary injunction in part, finding that USAGM’s actions were final, arbitrary, and capricious. The court ordered USAGM to immediately enter into a master grant agreement for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025, under the same terms and conditions as the previously effective agreements. The court rejected USAGM’s arguments that the dispute was contractual and thus belonged in the Court of Federal Claims under the Tucker Act. However, the court declined to adjudicate terms for future fiscal years, limiting its preliminary injunction to FY 2025 funding through September 30, 2025.

After this preliminary injunction, RFE/RL withdrew its pending motion for an additional TRO for July funding.

Summary Authors

Jillian Snyman (4/9/2025)

Brian Chen (7/28/2025)

Related Cases

Widakuswara v. Lake, District of District of Columbia (2025)

Radio Free Asia v. United States of America, District of District of Columbia (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69752936/parties/rferl-inc-v-lake/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Anders, Ginger Dawn (District of Columbia)

Brugato, Thomas R. (District of Columbia)

Cheek, Marney Leigh (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney, Daniel Tenny, (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Brown, Bruce D. (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-00799

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

RFE/RL v. Lake

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Complaint
6

1:25-cv-00799

**Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction**

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
6-1

1:25-cv-00799

Plaintiff's Memorandum in Support of its Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
9

1:25-cv-00799

Defendants’ Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
11

1:25-cv-00799

Plaintiff’s Reply in Support of Its Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 23, 2025

March 23, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
13

1:25-cv-00799

Notice of Disbursement Initiation by Defendants

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Other
14

1:25-cv-00799

Order

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Order/Opinion

772 F.Supp.3d 79

15

1:25-cv-00799

Defendants’ Response and Notice of Withdrawal of Grant Termination

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
18

1:25-cv-00799

Plaintiff’s Response to Defendants’ Notice of Withdrawal of Grant Termination, Conditional Request for a Further Temporary Restraining Order, and Reply in Support of Its Motion for Preliminary Injunction

RFE/RL, Inc. v. Lake

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
22

1:25-cv-00799

Order

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69752936/rferl-inc-v-lake/

Last updated Sept. 9, 2025, 9:07 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11550893) filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons

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3 Summons

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4 Summons

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5 Summons

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6 Summons

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March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE of Appearance by Marney Leigh Cheek on behalf of RFE/RL, INC. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
3

NOTICE of Appearance by David M. Zionts on behalf of RFE/RL, INC. (Zionts, David) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
4

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas R. Brugato on behalf of RFE/RL, INC. (Brugato, Thomas) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
5

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests LCvR 26.1 Disclosure by RFE/RL, INC. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
6

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Addendum of Statutory Provisions, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Text of Proposed Order (Temporary Restraining Order), # 6 Text of Proposed Order (Preliminary Injunction))(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Addendum of Statutory Provisions

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3 Exhibit A

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4 Exhibit B

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5 Text of Proposed Order (Temporary Restraining Order)

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6 Text of Proposed Order (Preliminary Injunction)

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March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Clearinghouse
7

SUMMONS (5) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zsl) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

RECAP

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Royce C. Lamberth. (zsl)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: Government's Response to Plaintiff's Motion 6 due by 3/21/2025; Plaintiff's Reply due by 3/23/2025. TRO/PI Motion Hearing set for 3/24/2025 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 15- In Person before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 3/19/2025. (lcrcl3)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Julia Alexandra Heiman on behalf of All Defendants (Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER
9

RESPONSE re 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
10

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Declaration of Stephen Capus by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/23/2025)

March 23, 2025

March 23, 2025

RECAP
11

REPLY to opposition to motion re 6 Motion for TRO,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/23/2025)

March 23, 2025

March 23, 2025

Clearinghouse
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Abigail Stout on behalf of All Defendants (Stout, Abigail) (Main Document 12 replaced on 3/24/2025) (zdp). (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER
13

NOTICE of Disbursement Initiation by Defendants by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA (Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Clearinghouse

.Order

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The hearing can be accessed by dialing the Toll-Free Number: 833-990-9400 (Meeting ID: 720718696). 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 Royce C. Lamberth on 3/24/2025. (smc)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Royce C. Lamberth: Motion Hearing held on 3/24/2025 re 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by RFE/RL, INC.. The Court takes the arguments under advisement. Ruling forthcoming. Court Reporter: Chandra Kean. (zcll)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER
14

ORDER granting 6 Motion for TRO. See Order for details. Government's Response to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction due by 3/26/2025; Plaintiff's Reply due by 3/28/2025. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 3/25/2025. (lcrcl3)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Clearinghouse
15

RESPONSE re 6 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF GRANT TERMINATION filed by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Stout, Abigail) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Clearinghouse
16

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Royce C. Lamberth held on March 24, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-36. Date of Issuance: March 26, 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 4/17/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/27/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/25/2025.(Kean, Chandra) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
17

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amici Brief)(Brown, Bruce) (Entered: 03/28/2025)

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

RECAP
18

REPLY to opposition to motion re 6 Motion for TRO,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction, and Response to Defendants' Notice of Withdrawal of Grant Termination, and Conditional Request for a Further Temporary Restraining Order filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 03/28/2025)

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Clearinghouse
19

NOTICE REGARDING DEFENDANTS' CONTINUED FAILURE TO APPROVE RFE/RL'S FINANCIAL PLAN by RFE/RL, INC. (Cheek, Marney)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

RECAP
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11583333) filed by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons)(Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
2

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC..(Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
3

NOTICE of Appearance by Donald Beaton Verrilli, Jr on behalf of MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
4

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
5

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. Case related to Case No. 25-cv-907. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
6

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. Case related to Case No. 25-cv-799. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
7

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. Case related to Case No. 25-cv-840. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Ginger Dawn Anders on behalf of MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC. (Anders, Ginger) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
9

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremy Kreisberg on behalf of MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC. (Kreisberg, Jeremy) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
10

SUMMONS (9) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 04/02/2025)

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Royce C. Lamberth. (zmtm)

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER
20

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA (Stout, Abigail) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

RECAP

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The parties are ORDERED to appear for a Status Conference on Tuesday, 4/8/2025 at 03:00 PM to discuss the parties' latest filings and the pending PI motion. The Status Conference will take place in Courtroom 15- In Person before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/7/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
21

RESPONSE re 20 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

RECAP
22

ORDER extending TRO (ECF No. 14) for an additional seven days. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/8/2025. (lcrcl3) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Clearinghouse
23

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. KARI LAKE served on 3/27/2025 (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
24

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA served on 3/28/2025 (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
25

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. VICTOR MORALES served on 3/28/2025 (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
26

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 3/20/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 5/19/2025. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
27

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 3/27/2025. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER

Status Conference AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Royce C. Lamberth: Status Conference held on 4/8/2025. The parties are directed to provide a status to the Court by 4/10/2025. (Court Reporter: Christine Asif.) (hmc)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
11

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Declaration of Deirdre Kline, # 4 Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit 2, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

PACER
28

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Text of Proposed Order

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April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
13

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Gabriel Mark Bronshteyn, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11607043. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
14

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Hailyn Chen, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11607047. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
29

MOTION to Vacate 14 Order on Motion for TRO,, Set/Reset Deadlines, by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Stout, Abigail) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Clearinghouse
30

Joint STATUS REPORT by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

RECAP

MINUTE ORDER: The parties agreed to brief this case alongside Radio Free Asia v. United States, 25-cv-907. The government's combined Opposition to Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcast Networks' Preliminary Injunction Motions is due by 4/11/2025 at 5:00 pm. The plaintiffs' combined Reply is due by 4/12/2025. Upon reviewing the parties' filings, the Court will schedule a hearing promptly. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/10/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: the Court hereby ORDERS the parties to adhere to the proposed briefing dates as stated in their most recent Joint Status Report (ECF No. 30). Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/10/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
15

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Brief)(Brown, Bruce) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
16

NOTICE of Appearance by Julia Alexandra Heiman on behalf of All Defendants (Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
17

RESPONSE re 11 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by SCOTT BESSENT, KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY, RUSSELL VOUGHT. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Appendix B, # 3 Appendix C, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
31

Memorandum in opposition to re 29 Motion to Vacate filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

Clearinghouse
32

RESPONSE re 28 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Stout, Abigail) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

Clearinghouse
33

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Declaration of Joseph Lataille by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/12/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Text of Proposed Order

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April 12, 2025

April 12, 2025

RECAP
34

REPLY to opposition to motion re 28 Motion for TRO filed by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/12/2025)

April 12, 2025

April 12, 2025

Clearinghouse
35

REPLY to opposition to motion re 29 Motion to Vacate filed by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 04/13/2025)

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

Clearinghouse
36

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Defendants' Reply, Nunc Pro Tunc by KARI LAKE, VICTOR MORALES, UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Heiman, Julia) (Entered: 04/13/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

RECAP

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The parties are ORDERED to appear for a Status Conference on Tuesday, 4/15/2025, at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 15- In Person before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/13/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

PACER
37

CONSENT TO THE FILING OF AN AMENDED COMPLAINT by RFE/RL, INC.. (Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/14/2025)

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

PACER
38

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by RFE/RL, INC..(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/14/2025)

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Clearinghouse
39

TRANSCRIPT OF STATUS HEARING before Judge Royce C. Lamberth held on April 15, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-15. Date of Issuance: 4/15/2025. Court Reporter: Bryan A. Wayne. 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 5/6/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/16/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/14/2025.(Wayne, Bryan) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

Status Conference

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

.Order

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for Status Conference held on 4/15/2025 before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Parties discussed posture of the case. Court Reporter: Bryan Wayne. (smc)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

Order

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: On Thursday, April 17, the Court will hold a hearing on the pending preliminary injunction motions in Widakuswara v. Lake, 25-cv-1015, and Abramowitz v. Lake, 25-cv-887. The hearing will begin at 11:30 AM in Courtroom 15. Plaintiffs will present their arguments first; the Court will break for lunch at 12:30 PM and will reconvene at 1:45 PM; and the government will present their argument once the Court reconvenes. Plaintiffs will be provided time to respond. Once the hearing concludes, the Court will take a brief recess. At that point, the Court will hold status conferences for each of the network grantee cases in which there is a pending motion for preliminary relief: RFE/RL v. Lake, 25-cv-799 (RCL); Radio Free Asia v. United States, 25-cv-907 (RCL); and Middle East Broadcasting Networks v. United States, 25-cv-966 (RCL). Counsel in each of the network grantee cases listed above is encouraged to attend the Widakuswara preliminary injunction hearing, given the interrelatedness of the relief sought in each case. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/15/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
19

NOTICE of Appearance by Abigail Stout on behalf of All Defendants (Stout, Abigail) (Entered: 04/16/2025)

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

PACER

NOTICE of Hearing:Status Conference set for 4/17/2025 at 3:30 PM in Courtroom 15 (In Person) before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. (smc)

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

PACER

Notice of Hearing

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

PACER

NOTICE of Hearing: Status Conference set for 4/17/2025 at 3:30 PM in Courtroom 15 (In Person) before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. (smc)

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

PACER
20

MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Declaration by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for Status Conference held on 4/17/2025 before Judge Royce C. Lamberth: Parties discussed posture of the case. Preliminary Injunction Motion to be filed early next week. Court Reporter: Sonja Reeves. (smc)

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER

Status Conference

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for Status Conference held on 4/17/2025 before Judge Royce C. Lamberth: Parties discussed posture of case. Court Reporter: Sonja Reeves. (smc)

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

PACER
21

TRANSCRIPT OF STATUS CONFERENCE before Judge Royce C. Lamberth held on April 17, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-6. Date of Issuance: April 18, 2025. Court Reporter/Transcriber Sonja L. Reeves, RDR, CRR, Telephone number (202) 354-3246, 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 5/9/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/19/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/17/2025.(Reeves, Sonja) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

PACER
40

TRANSCRIPT OF STATUS CONFERENCE before Judge Royce C. Lamberth held on April 17, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-6. Date of Issuance: April 18, 2025. Court Reporter/Transcriber Sonja L. Reeves, RDR, CRR, Telephone number (202) 354-3246, 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 5/9/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/19/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/17/2025.(Reeves, Sonja) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

PACER
41

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by RFE/RL, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit 1, # 7 Exhibit 2, # 8 Exhibit 3, # 9 Text of Proposed Order)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit A

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

4 Exhibit B

View on PACER

5 Exhibit C

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

8 Exhibit 3

View on PACER

9 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

RECAP

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The parties are ORDERED to appear for a Status Conference on Thursday, 4/24/2025, at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 15- In Person before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/23/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

PACER

.Order

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: The court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for April 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The hearing can be accessed by dialing the Toll-Free Number: 833-990-9400 (Meeting ID: 720718696). 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 Royce C. Lamberth on 4/23/2025. (smc)

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

PACER

Order

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

PACER
22

MOTION for Order Granting Preliminary Injunction by MIDDLE EAST BROADCASTING NETWORKS, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Verrilli, Donald) (Entered: 04/24/2025)

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER
42

NOTICE Regarding Recent Development by RFE/RL, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Cheek, Marney) (Entered: 04/24/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 2

View on RECAP

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

RECAP

Status Conference

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Royce C. Lamberth: Status Conference held on 4/24/2025. Order forthcoming. (Court Reporter: Sherry Lindsay.) (hmc)

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: the parties are ORDERED to appear for a Motion Hearing, regarding Plaintiff's Motion for Order Granting Preliminary Injunction, on 4/25/2025 at 02:30 PM in Courtroom 15- In Person before Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Signed by Judge Royce C. Lamberth on 4/24/2025. (lcrcl3)

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 18, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff RFE/RL is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of promoting democratic values by providing accurate, uncensored news and open debate in countries where a free press is threatened and disinformation is pervasive.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States Agency for Global Media, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

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

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

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Spending/Appropriations Clauses

Separation of Powers

Presentment Clause

Take Care 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

Issues

General/Misc.:

Funding

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Impoundment (mandatory spending)