Case: Media Matters for America v. Federal Trade Commission

1:25-cv-01959 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: June 23, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenges a federal investigation that Media Matters for America alleges was initiated in retaliation for its constitutionally protected speech. On June 23, 2025, Media Matters, a nonprofit media watchdog, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), its Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and four commissioners. Represented by Covington & Burling LLP and Susman Godfrey LLP, the plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctiv…

This case challenges a federal investigation that Media Matters for America alleges was initiated in retaliation for its constitutionally protected speech. On June 23, 2025, Media Matters, a nonprofit media watchdog, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), its Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and four commissioners. Represented by Covington & Burling LLP and Susman Godfrey LLP, the plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief to quash a civil investigative demand (CID) issued by the FTC.

According to the complaint, the FTC’s May 20 CID demanded a wide array of documents concerning Media Matters’ reporting practices, editorial methods, finances, and communications with outside entities—particularly related to its 2023 article documenting that corporate advertisements were appearing alongside pro-Nazi content on X (formerly Twitter). Media Matters alleges the CID follows a broader campaign of harassment driven by Elon Musk, who publicly vowed a “thermonuclear” lawsuit against the organization after its reporting, and that state officials in Texas and Missouri, as well as X Corp. itself, pursued retaliatory legal action in response.

Plaintiff claimed the FTC’s CID is broader than the Texas and Missouri demands already enjoined by the same court in Media Matters v. Paxton, and that it lacks statutory authority because Media Matters is a nonprofit outside the FTC’s enforcement jurisdiction. The plaintiff alleged violations of the First and Fourth Amendments and sought to enjoin the FTC from enforcing the CID or continuing its investigation. The plaintiff also argued that the CID had chilled its reporting, damaged its institutional partnerships, and disrupted fundraising and staff retention.

On June 25, Judge Amit Mehta rejected Media Matters’ request to designate the case as related to Media Matters v. Paxton, finding insufficient factual overlap to warrant related-case treatment. On June 26, the case was reassigned to Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Brian Chen (7/3/2025)

Jack Moore (10/10/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70612884/parties/media-matters-for-america-v-federal-trade-commission/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Anthony, Stephen Pierce (District of Columbia)

Attorney, Sarah Elaine (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Abyad, Imad Dean (District of Columbia)

Attorney, H. Thomas (District of Columbia)

Byron, H. Thomas (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-01959

Complaint

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Complaint
7

1:25-cv-01959

Order

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70612884/media-matters-for-america-v-federal-trade-commission/

Last updated Oct. 14, 2025, 3:02 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11771617) filed by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons, # 10 Summons, # 11 Summons, # 12 Summons, # 13 Summons)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Civil Cover Sheet

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6 Summons

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7 Summons

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8 Summons

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9 Summons

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10 Summons

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11 Summons

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12 Summons

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13 Summons

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June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. Case related to Case No. 24-cv-147. (Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

RECAP
3

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

PACER
4

NOTICE of Appearance by Justin A. Nelson on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Nelson, Justin) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

PACER
5

SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 06/24/2025)

1 Notice and Consent

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June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

RECAP
6

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Alexandra Foulkes Grafton, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11774214. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Declaration Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission, # 3 Proposed Order)(Foulkes Grafton, Alex) (Attachment 2 replaced on 6/25/2025) (mg). (Entered: 06/24/2025)

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

PACER

Case Assigned/Reassigned

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

PACER

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

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

PACER
7

ORDER. For the reasons explained in the attached Order, this matter is returned to the Calendar Committee for random reassignment since the exception provided for "related case" assignments in D.D.C. LCvR 40.5 does not apply. See the attached Order for additional details. Signed by Judge Amit P. Mehta on 6/25/2025. (lcapm1) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Assigned/Reassigned

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

PACER

Case randomly reassigned to Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan pursuant to 7 Order dated 6/25/2025. Judge Amit P. Mehta is no longer assigned to the case. (ztnr)

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

PACER

Notice of Error

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

PACER

NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 6 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Alexandra Foulkes Grafton, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11774214. Fee Status: Fee Paid.. The following error(s) need correction: Invalid attorney signature- signature on document must match PACER login. Any attorney seeking to appear pro hac vice must file a motion signed by a sponsoring member of the Bar of this Court. Please refile. (zjm)

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

PACER
8

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Alexandra Foulkes Grafton, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11782064. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Declaration Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Motion for Admission of Attorney Pro Hac Vice)(Nelson, Justin) (Entered: 06/27/2025)

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

PACER
9

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Katherine M. Peaslee, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11782659. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Katherine M. Peaslee, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Nelson, Justin) (Entered: 06/27/2025)

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

PACER
10

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Matthew C. Behncke, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11787294. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Declaration of Matthew C. Behncke, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice)(Nelson, Justin) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court grants Alexandra Foulkes Grafton 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 LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 6/30/2025. (lcas)

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Alex Foulkes Grafton on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Foulkes Grafton, Alex) (Entered: 07/01/2025)

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

PACER
12

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Kuntal Cholera, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11800892. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Pro Hac Vice Declaration of Kuntal Cholera, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER
13

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Ryan Quillian, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11800902. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Pro Hac Vice Declaration of Ryan Quillian, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court grants Katherine M. Peaslee 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 LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/8/2025. (lcas)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court grants Katherine M. Peaslee 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 LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/8/2025. (lcas)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER denying the Plaintiff's 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The attorney must submit a declaration that provides the attorney's telephone number. See LCvR 83.2(e)(2). Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/8/2025. (lcas)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER denying the Plaintiff's 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The attorney must submit a declaration that provides the attorney's telephone number. See LCvR 83.2(e)(2). Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/8/2025. (lcas)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

PACER
14

NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine Marie Peaslee on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Peaslee, Katherine) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

RECAP
14

NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine Marie Peaslee on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Peaslee, Katherine) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

RECAP
15

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 6/25/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 8/24/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
16

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 07/01/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
17

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION served on 7/1/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
18

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. ANDREW N. FERGUSON served on 7/1/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
19

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. MARK R. MEADOR served on 7/1/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
20

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK served on 7/1/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Proof of Delivery)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
21

NOTICE of Appearance by Imad Dean Abyad on behalf of All Defendants (Abyad, Imad) (Main Document 21 replaced on 7/15/2025) (zjm). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
22

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration of Stephen P. Anthony, # 3 Exhibit A to Anthony Declaration, # 4 Exhibit B to Anthony Declaration, # 5 Exhibit C to Anthony Declaration, # 6 Declaration of Benjamin Dimiero, # 7 Declaration of Julie Millican, # 8 Declaration of Cynthia Padera, # 9 Text of Proposed Order)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Declaration of Stephen P. Anthony

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3 Exhibit A to Anthony Declaration

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4 Exhibit B to Anthony Declaration

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5 Exhibit C to Anthony Declaration

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6 Declaration of Benjamin Dimiero

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7 Declaration of Julie Millican

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8 Declaration of Cynthia Padera

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9 Text of Proposed Order

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July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
23

NOTICE of Appearance by H. Thomas Byron, III on behalf of All Defendants (Byron, H.) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 12 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court grants Kuntal Cholera 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 LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/14/2025. (lcas)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 13 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court grants Ryan Quillian 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 LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/14/2025. (lcas)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

Order

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: In light of the Plaintiff's 1 Complaint and 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, the Court ORDERS the Parties to meet and confer and to file a joint status report addressing the following issues by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025: (1) a proposed briefing schedule on the motion; (2) a statement addressing whether a hearing on the motion is necessary, and if so, three proposed dates and times for such a hearing; and (3) a statement addressing whether the Parties anticipate factual disputes between the declarants, and if so, whether the Parties believe an evidentiary hearing will be necessary to resolve the disputes and a proposal for proceeding with such a hearing, see LCvR 65.1(d). The Parties may also address any other issues that they believe will be helpful to the Court. Any disagreements should be noted in the Joint Status Report. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/14/2025. (lcas)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

PACER
24

NOTICE of Appearance by Ryan K Quillian on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Quillian, Ryan) (Entered: 07/15/2025)

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

PACER
25

NOTICE of Appearance by Kuntal Virendra Cholera on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 07/15/2025)

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

PACER
26

Joint STATUS REPORT by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Quillian, Ryan) (Entered: 07/16/2025)

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

RECAP

MINUTE ORDER: In light of the Parties' 26 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the Defendants to file their response to the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction by July 28, 2025, and the Plaintiff to file any reply in support of that motion by August 5, 2025. The Court directs the Parties to appear at oral argument on August 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 14 before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 7/17/2025. (lcas)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

PACER

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

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

PACER

Order

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

PACER
27

Memorandum in opposition to re 22 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Abyad, Imad) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

RECAP
28

REPLY to opposition to motion re 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

Aug. 5, 2025

Aug. 5, 2025

RECAP
29

NOTICE of Appearance by Brenden J. Cline on behalf of MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Cline, Brenden) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

PACER
30

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer to Complaint by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Abyad, Imad) (Entered: 08/11/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Aug. 11, 2025

Aug. 11, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting the Defendants' 30 Motion for Extension. The Court ORDERS the Defendants to respond to the Plaintiff's 1 Complaint within thirty days after the Court rules on the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/12/2025. (lcas)

Aug. 12, 2025

Aug. 12, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Set/Reset Deadlines

Aug. 12, 2025

Aug. 12, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Aug. 12, 2025

Aug. 12, 2025

PACER

Minute Entry for Motion Hearing held before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/13/2025. Oral arguments submitted on Plaintiff's Motion 22 for Preliminary Injunction. Motion taken under advisement; forthcoming Order. The parties are ORDERED to file Supplemental Briefing by noon on 8/14/2025. (Court Reporter: Janice Dickman) (lsj)

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

PACER
31

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM to the Court's August 13, 2025 Minute Order filed by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

RECAP
32

NOTICE of Transcript by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

PACER
33

MEMORANDUM re Motion Hearing,, Set Deadlines, by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Abyad, Imad) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

RECAP
34

MEMORANDUM OPINION re the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See the attached document for details. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/15/2025. (lcas) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

RECAP
35

ORDER granting the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See the 34 Memorandum Opinion for details. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/15/2025. (lcas) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

RECAP
36

NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to 34 Memorandum & Opinion, 35 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction by JOHN DOE, 1, MARK R. MEADOR, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Byron, H.) (Entered: 08/18/2025)

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

RECAP
37

Emergency MOTION to Stay re 35 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal and Administrative Stay by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Byron, H.) (Entered: 08/18/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

RECAP

.Order

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

PACER

Order

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER: On August 15, 2025, the Court granted the Plaintiff's 22 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. See ECF No. 35. The Defendants have filed an 37 Emergency Motion to Stay the Court's Order Pending Appeal. The Court ORDERS the Plaintiff to respond to that 37 Motion by August 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and the Defendants to file any reply by August 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 08/18/2025. (lcal)

Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

PACER
38

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 36 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court,. (zjm) (Entered: 08/19/2025)

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER

USCA Case Number

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER

USCA Case Number 25-5302 for 36 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by MARK R. MEADOR, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, JOHN DOE, 2, JOHN DOE, 1. (zjm)

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER
39

Memorandum in opposition to re 37 Emergency MOTION to Stay re 35 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal and Administrative Stay filed by MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Stephen P. Anthony, # 2 Exhibit A)(Anthony, Stephen) (Entered: 08/20/2025)

1 Declaration of Stephen P. Anthony

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2 Exhibit A

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Aug. 20, 2025

Aug. 20, 2025

RECAP
40

REPLY to opposition to motion re 37 Motion to Stay, filed by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Byron, H.) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

PACER
41

MEMORANDUM OPINION re the Defendants' 37 Motion to Stay Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal and Administrative Stay. See the attached document for details. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/22/2025. (lcal)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

RECAP
42

ORDER denying the Defendants' 37 Motion to Stay Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal and Administrative Stay. See the 41 Memorandum Opinion for details. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 8/22/2025. (lcal) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

RECAP
43

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan held on August 13, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-60. Date of Issuance: September 5, 2025. Court Reporter: Janice Dickman, Telephone number: 202-354-3267, 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 9/26/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 10/6/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/4/2025.(Dickman, Janice) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

PACER
44

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Byron, H.) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

PACER

MINUTE ORDER granting 44 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer. The deadline to answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint is October 15, 2025. Signed by Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on 9/8/2025. (lcal)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Set/Reset Deadlines

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

PACER
45

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to JOHN DOE, 1, JOHN DOE, 2, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MELISSA ANN HOLYOAK, MARK R. MEADOR. Attorney Imad Dean Abyad terminated. (Abyad, Imad) (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 23, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A nonprofit media watchdog organization.

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

Federal Trade Commission (District of Columbia), Federal

Andrew Ferguson in his official capacity as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, Federal

Melissa Ann Holyoak in her official capacity as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, Federal

John Doe 1 in their official capacity as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (District of Columbia), Federal

John Doe 2 in their official capacity as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General/Misc.:

Retaliation