Case: Finn v. Global Engagement Center

3:25-cv-00543 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Filed Date: May 15, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged a purported conspiracy between federal agencies and officials, private technology companies, and nonprofit organizations to orchestrate a censorship campaign targeting health and wellness influencers for their speech on social media. Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit on May 15, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit named President Trump; various government agencies and their heads; and social media conglomerates Meta, Google, and X (formerly Twitter) as defendants. The case was assigned to Judge Wendy Williams Berger. Plaintiffs alleged violations of the First, Fifth, Seventh, and Fourteenth Amendments, in addition to claims for civil conspiracy and tortious interference with contractual relations. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees.

Plaintiffs were a group of healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates with extensive followings and activity on social media. They asserted that in 2021, they were identified in the “Disinformation Dozen Report” published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which accused them of producing "up to 65%" of all “anti-vaccine” content online. Plaintiffs claimed that the Biden Administration quickly weaponized this allegedly inaccurate report by pressuring social media defendants to "de-platform" or otherwise suppress plaintiffs’ content. These steps included permanent account suspensions, "shadowbanning" (an informal term for companies' throttling of a user's reach and engagement) and demonetization.

On June 3, 2025, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint; this complaint did not add any new substantive causes of action or claims for relief, but merely sharpened certain allegations of fact and added detail regarding plaintiffs' identities. On October 10, 2025, plaintiffs filed another amended complaint, adding three new causes of action: a violation of freedom of speech under the Florida Constitution, a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, and a violation of the right to privacy under the Florida Constitution.

On October 10, 2025, plaintiffs filed another amended complaint, adding three new causes of action: a violation of freedom of speech under the Florida Constitution, a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, and a violation of the right to privacy under the Florida Constitution.

On January 16, 2026, defendants all separately filed motions seeking to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim. The same day several defendants filed motions to transfer the case to a new venue. Plaintiffs filed responses to these motions on February 6, 2026. As of February 9, 2026, the Court has not ruled on these motions or scheduled a hearing.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Matt Petrillo (7/2/2025)

Jack Moore (10/22/2025)

Maddy Ligon (2/7/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70274698/parties/finn-v-global-engagement-center/

Judge(s)

Berger, Wendy Williams (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Childers, Seldon Jeffrey (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Berger, Lawrence (Florida)

Calhoon, Michael L. (Florida)

Carter, Ronnie S. (Florida)

Judge(s)

Berger, Wendy Williams (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Childers, Seldon Jeffrey (Florida)

Hardage, Charles Harrell (Florida)

Whitney, Nicholas Price (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Berger, Lawrence (Florida)

Calhoon, Michael L. (Florida)

Carter, Ronnie S. (Florida)

Craig, Gregory B. (Florida)

Deitchman, Ariel Deray (Florida)

DeStefano, Michael J. (Florida)

Durie, Daralyn J. (Florida)

Frey, Brenna L. (Florida)

George, Andrew Thomas (Florida)

Greene, Jordan Lee (Florida)

Hayes, Ashley P. (Florida)

Jones, Rachel H. (Florida)

Mitchell, Kasdin Miller (Florida)

Novikov, Gene (Florida)

O'Connor, Shane (Florida)

Safwat, Adam G. (Florida)

Schroeder, Eric P. (Florida)

Shand, Christopher St. (Florida)

Simmons, Tori (Florida)

Squiers, Cristina Martinez (Florida)

Trujillo-Jamison, Kenneth M. (Florida)

Underwood, Brian M. (Florida)

Waggoner, Dennis Parker (Florida)

Whitaker, Damon Justin (Florida)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 3:25-cv-00543	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages	May 15, 2025	May 15, 2025 Complaint
8 3:25-cv-00543	First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages	June 3, 2025	June 3, 2025 Complaint
83 3:25-cv-00543	Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages Finn et al. v. Global Engagement Center et al.	Oct. 10, 2025	Oct. 10, 2025 Complaint

show / hide documents

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70274698/finn-v-global-engagement-center/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 4:13 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	May 15, 2025	COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages against All Defendants with Jury Demand (Filing fee $405 receipt number AFLMDC-23364001) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 5/16/2025 to edit the docket text (MLB). (Entered: 05/15/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP 2 Exhibit B View on RECAP 3 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
2	May 16, 2025	NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Judge Wendy W. Berger and Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. New case number: 3:35-cv-543-WWB-MCR. (ARL) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	RECAP
3	May 16, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL All counsel of record of Local Rule 2.02(a), which states, "The first paper filed on behalf of a party must designate only one lead counsel who - unless the party changes the designation - remains lead counsel throughout the action." Counsel must file a Notice of Lead Counsel Designation identifying lead counsel. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MLB) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	RECAP
	May 16, 2025	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	May 16, 2025	Notice to Counsel of Local Rule
4	May 20, 2025	NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Seldon Jeffrey Childers on behalf of Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny. Lead Counsel: Seldon J. Childers. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 05/20/2025)	RECAP
5	May 23, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL AND PARTIES: The Middle District of Florida's revised Local Rules become effective April 1, 2024, and can be found on the Court's public website https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/local-rules. Additionally, the undersigned has issued Standing Orders, available at https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/judges/wendy-berger, that apply to all proceedings before the undersigned. For a just and efficient resolution of this case, the parties are DIRECTED to read and comply with the Middle District of Florida's Local Rules and this Court's Standing Orders. See Local Rule 1.01(a). Failure to comply with ANY Local Rules or Court Orders may result in the imposition of sanctions including, but not limited to, the dismissal of this action or entry of default without further notice. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 5/23/2025. (CKS) (Entered: 05/23/2025)	RECAP
6	May 23, 2025	NOTICE of Local Rule 3.02(a)(2), which requires the parties in every civil proceeding, except those described in subsection (d), to file a case management report (CMR) using the uniform form at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. The CMR must be filed (1) within forty days after any defendant appears in an action originating in this court, (2) within forty days after the docketing of an action removed or transferred to this court, or (3) within seventy days after service on the United States attorney in an action against the United States, its agencies or employees. Judges may have a special CMR form for certain types of cases. These forms can be found at www.flmd.uscourts.gov under the Forms tab for each judge. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (CKS) (Entered: 05/23/2025)	RECAP
7	May 23, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR (CKS) Modified on 5/23/2025 (CKS). (Entered: 05/23/2025)	RECAP
	May 23, 2025	Order
	May 23, 2025	Notice to Counsel of Local Rule
8	June 3, 2025	AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages against All Defendants with Jury Demand. filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Childers, Seldon) Modified text on 6/4/2025 (MCB). (Entered: 06/03/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP 2 Exhibit B View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
9	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
10	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
11	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
12	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
13	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
14	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
15	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
16	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
17	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
18	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
19	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
20	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
21	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
22	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
23	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
24	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
25	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
26	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
27	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
28	June 26, 2025	MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)	RECAP
29	June 27, 2025	SUMMONS issued as to Imran Ahmed, Bridget Bean, Brendan Carr, Center for Countering Digital Hate, Inc, Elvis Chan, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Communications Commission, Rob Flaherty, Global Engagement Center, Google LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc., Vivek Murthy, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, X Corp. (RLD) Modified text on 6/30/2025 (JKB). (Entered: 06/27/2025)	RECAP
30	July 28, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by X Corp. (Hayes, Ashley) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 07/28/2025)	RECAP
31	July 28, 2025	DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by X Corp.. (Hayes, Ashley) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	RECAP
32	July 28, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL Kenneth M. Trujillo-Jamison Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - File a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Co-counsel with filing rights may electronically file the motion on behalf of the lawyer seeking Special Admission or the motion may be filed in paper format; Pay the Special Admission Fee; Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (ARL) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	RECAP
	July 28, 2025	Notice to Counsel of Local Rule
33	July 31, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 30 Defendant X Corp.'s Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the First Amended Complaint on or before September 30, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 7/31/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 07/31/2025)	RECAP
	July 31, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer
34	Aug. 1, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Deitchman, Ariel) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/01/2025)	RECAP
35	Aug. 1, 2025	DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Deitchman, Ariel) (Entered: 08/01/2025)	RECAP
36	Aug. 4, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 34 Defendant Meta Platforms, Inc.'s Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 13, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/4/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/04/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 4, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer
37	Aug. 7, 2025	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Google LLC. (Whitaker, Damon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/07/2025)	RECAP
38	Aug. 7, 2025	SUPPLEMENT re 37 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint Notifying the Court that Google's Motion is Unopposed by Google LLC. (Whitaker, Damon). (Entered: 08/07/2025)	RECAP
39	Aug. 7, 2025	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Eric P. Schroeder to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)	RECAP
40	Aug. 7, 2025	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Brian M. Underwood, Jr. to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)	RECAP
41	Aug. 7, 2025	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Rachel H. Jones to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)	RECAP
42	Aug. 8, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 37 Defendant Google LLC's Motion to Extend Deadline to Respond to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 10, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/8/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/08/2025)	RECAP
43	Aug. 8, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Kasdin Miller Mitchell to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23715365 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc. (Deitchman, Ariel) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. Modified on 8/11/2025 to edit the docket text (MLB). (Entered: 08/08/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 8, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer
44	Aug. 11, 2025	DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Google LLC identifying Corporate Parent XXVI Holdings Inc., Corporate Parent Alphabet Inc. for Google LLC.. (Whitaker, Damon) (Entered: 08/11/2025)	RECAP
45	Aug. 11, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 39 40 41 43 Unopposed Motions for Special Admission. If Eric P. Schroeder, Esq., Brian M. Underwood, Jr., Esq., Rachel H. Jones, Esq., and Kasdin Miller Mitchell, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/11/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/11/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 11, 2025	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice
46	Aug. 12, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL Eric P. Schroeder, Brian M. Underwood, Jr., Rachel H. Jones Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - Pay the Special Admission Fee; (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MLB) (Entered: 08/12/2025)	RECAP
47	Aug. 12, 2025	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Affidavit of Service by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/12/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 12, 2025	Notice to Counsel of Local Rule
	Aug. 12, 2025	Pay Fee
	Aug. 12, 2025	FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23723858 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Eric P. Schroeder. (Whitaker, Damon)
	Aug. 12, 2025	FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23723960 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Brian M. Underwood, Jr.. (Whitaker, Damon)
	Aug. 12, 2025	FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23724021 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Rachel H. Jones. (Whitaker, Damon)
48	Aug. 13, 2025	DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
49	Aug. 13, 2025	WAIVER of service returned executed on August 13, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Center for Countering Digital Hate, Inc. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
50	Aug. 13, 2025	WAIVER of service returned executed on August 13, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Imran Ahmed. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
51	Aug. 13, 2025	AFFIDAVIT of service by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
52	Aug. 13, 2025	PROOF of service as to Rob Flaherty served on 07/14/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
53	Aug. 13, 2025	PROOF of service by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
54	Aug. 13, 2025	PROOF of service as to Google, LLC executed on 07/18/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
55	Aug. 13, 2025	PROOF of service as to Meta Platforms, Inc. executed on 07/15/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text(JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
56	Aug. 13, 2025	PROOF of service as to X Corp executed on 07/11/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 13, 2025	FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23729433 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Kasdin Miller Mitchell. (Mitchell, Kasdin)
	Aug. 13, 2025	Pay Fee
57	Aug. 14, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 47 Plaintiffs' Motion to Extend Time for Service of Summons and First Amended Complaint on Defendant Vivek Murthy. Plaintiffs shall perfect service of process on the subject Defendant and file proof thereof on or before September 27, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/14/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/14/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 14, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File
58	Aug. 18, 2025	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison to appear pro hac vice by X Corp. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/19/2025)	RECAP
59	Aug. 22, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 58 Unopposed Motion for Special Admission. If Kenneth M. Trujillo-Jamison, Esq. has not already done so, he shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/22/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/22/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 22, 2025	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice
60	Aug. 27, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Jordan L. Greene to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23796040 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Chapleau, Marianna) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/27/2025)	RECAP
61	Aug. 27, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Shane D. O'Connor to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23796064 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Chapleau, Marianna) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/27/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 27, 2025	***PRO HAC VICE FEES PAID (Receipt Number 38164 for $150) by attorney Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison, appearing on behalf of X Corp. Related document: 58 MOTION for Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison to appear pro hac vice. (ELA) Modified on 8/27/2025 to edit docket text (MSN).
	Aug. 27, 2025	Fees Paid - Pro Hac Vice
62	Aug. 28, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 60 61 Unopposed Motions for Special Admission. If Jordan L. Greene, Esq. and Shane D. O'Connor, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/28/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/28/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 28, 2025	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice
63	Sept. 5, 2025	Joint Motion to Stay Case Deadlines Pending Ruling on Forthcoming Motions to Transfer by Google LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc., X Corp. (Whitaker, Damon) Modified docket text on 9/8/2025 (JG). (Entered: 09/05/2025)	RECAP
64	Sept. 8, 2025	ORDER denying 63 Joint Motion to Stay Case Deadlines Pending Ruling on Forthcoming Motions to Transfer. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 9/8/2025. (CKS) (Entered: 09/08/2025)	RECAP
65	Sept. 9, 2025	MOTION for Abbe David Lowell to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23843291 for $150 by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/09/2025)	RECAP
66	Sept. 9, 2025	MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to appear pro hac vice by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/09/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 9, 2025	***PRO HAC VICE FEES PAID (Receipt Number AFLMDC-23843500 for $150) by attorney Brenna Frey, appearing on behalf of Rob Flaherty. Related document: 66 MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to appear pro hac vice . (SPM)
67	Sept. 10, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 65 66 Motions for Special Admission. If Abbe David Lowell, Esq. and Brenna L. Frey, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/10/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 09/10/2025)	RECAP
68	Sept. 10, 2025	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/10/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 10, 2025	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice
69	Sept. 11, 2025	ENTERRED IN ERROR (MSN) Modified on 9/11/2025 to edit docket text (MSN). (Entered: 09/11/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 11, 2025	Notice to Counsel of Local Rule
	Sept. 11, 2025	Fees Paid - Pro Hac Vice
70	Sept. 15, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 68 Defendant Robert Flaherty's Consent Motion for an Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 13, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/12/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 09/15/2025)	RECAP
	Sept. 15, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer
71	Sept. 16, 2025	RETURN of service executed on September 10, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Bridget Bean, Brendan Carr, Elvis Chan, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Communications Commission, Rob Flaherty, Global Engagement Center, Vivek Murthy, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Whitney, Nicholas) (Entered: 09/16/2025)	RECAP
72	Sept. 23, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to Withdraw as Attorney for Defendant Rob Flaherty by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/23/2025)	RECAP
73	Sept. 24, 2025	MOTION to Amend 8 Amended Complaint by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Whitney, Nicholas) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/24/2025)	RECAP
74	Sept. 25, 2025	ENDORSED ORDER granting 72 Defendant's Unopposed Motion to Withdraw. Brenna L. Frey, Esq. is relieved of any further responsibility as counsel for Defendants in this matter, but she shall comply with all applicable obligations on withdrawing counsel, including any applicable Bar rules. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/25/2025. (SBL) (Entered: 09/25/2025)	RECAP

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory:

Florida

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Miscellaneous

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 15, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Five healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates with extensive followings and activity on social media, who engaged heavily in anti-vaccine rhetoric.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Communications Commission

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Department of State

United States of America

Private Entity/Person

Center for Countering Digital Hate, Inc.

Google LLC

Meta Platforms, Inc.

X Corporation

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Equal Protection

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Florida 3:25-cv-00543

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Watchlist

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Finn v. Global Engagement Center, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/46753/ (last updated 2/7/2026).