Case: Jansen v. Trump

1:25-cv-02961 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Sept. 2, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This lawsuit challenges the Executive Order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." Just hours after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14168, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” Section 2 of the Order redefined “sex” narrowly as immutable biological characteristics fixed at conception, thereby denying l…

This lawsuit challenges the Executive Order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." Just hours after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14168, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” Section 2 of the Order redefined “sex” narrowly as immutable biological characteristics fixed at conception, thereby denying legal recognition to transgender people. EO 14168 directed the Secretary of State to “implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex” as defined within the order. Under this policy, passports would designate the holder’s sex as that assigned at birth, not the individual's gender identity, and would not allow an “X” gender classification. Since at least 1992, the State Department had allowed individuals to change the gender on their passport to align with their gender identity and provided an option starting in 2021 for non-binary Americans to mark their gender with an “X.”

On September 2, 2025, Plaintiff Jana Jansen, a transgender woman, filed suit against President Trump in his official capacity, the U.S. Department of State, and other top federal agencies and their respective leaders in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Jansen filed this complaint pro se. Jansen also filed a Motion for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis, meaning that she would not incur any costs of bringing the suit. Jansen alleged violations of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, the First Amendment, and the Administrative Procedures Act. Specifically, Jansen alleged that the Fifth Amendment was violated because the EO deprives transgender individuals of the right to define and express their own personal identity and it discriminates against individuals on the basis of sex. Jansen also alleged that the First Amendment was violated because the EO compelled speech by forcing her to identify her sex as male. Lastly, Jansen alleged that the Administrative Procedures Act was violated because the implementing agencies demonstrated arbitrary and capricious decision-making under the APA, because the agencies did not consider the serious reliance interests under this policy. Plaintiff requested declaratory and injunctive relief.

The case was assigned to Chief District Judge James Boasberg. On September 4, 2025, plaintiff filed a motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, arguing that absent relief, she will be injured because SSA will enforce the Executive Order against her by issuing her a new Social Security number linked to her pre-transition identification file, which designates her as male. On September 8, the court granted Jansen’s motion for counsel and to proceed in forma pauperis, and ordered that a new judge be randomly assigned to the case. 

On September 23, 2025, District Judge Loren L Alikhan denied the plaintiff's motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. The court reasoned that the plaintiff has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits nor an irreparable injury, and the balance of equities does not tip in her favor. 

Plaintiff refiled a motion for preliminary injunction against Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol, alleging imminent irreparable harm over their decision to revert her gender identity on Global Entry, a TSA-sponsored trusted traveler program that expedites airport security check-ins.

This case is ongoing.d

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (9/6/2025)

Zoe Hayes (10/3/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71268308/parties/jansen-v-trump/


Attorney for Plaintiff

JENSEN, JANA (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-02961

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Complaint
12

1:25-cv-02961

Memorandum Opinion and Order

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2531837

33

1:25-cv-02961

Plaintiff's Motion for Adminstrative Relief

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
36

1:25-cv-02961

Sealed Memorandum Opinion and Order

Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2712502

38

1:25-cv-02961

Renewed Motion

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
39

1:25-cv-02961

Order

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71268308/jansen-v-trump/

Last updated Nov. 29, 2025, 12:39 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis by JANA JENSEN. (znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Clearinghouse
3

SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by JANA JENSEN (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

4

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE ADDRESS UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JENSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

5

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

RECAP
6

MOTION to Appoint Counsel by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

7

MOTION for Service by U.S. Marshals Service by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

8

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Initiating Pleading & IFP Application Received. A copy of the docket sheet has been mailed to the address of record for the pro se party. (znmw)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

9

MOTION for Protective Order by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

10

MOTION to Take Judicial Notice by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

11

MOTION for Hearing by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

13

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by JANA JENSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

Receipt of Initiating Pleading & IFP Application

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

12

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER: The Court ORDERS that: 1) Plaintiff's 3 Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym is GRANTED, subject to any further consideration by the United States District Judge to whom this case is randomly assigned; 2) All parties shall use the pseudonym listed in the Complaint in all documents filed in this action; and 3) Within fourteen days of this Order, Plaintiff shall file: i) A pseudonymous version of her 3 Motion and attachments as a Notice to the Court on the public docket; and ii) A sealed declaration containing her real name and residential address. Signed by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on 09/05/2025.(lcjeb1) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

Clearinghouse
14

RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT re 12 Order on Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by JANA JANSEN. (znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

15

NOTICE to Correct Misspelling of Plaintiff's Name by JANA JANSEN re 1 Complaint (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

16

SEALED DOCUMENT (Plaintiff's Address) filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

17

ERRATA by JANA JANSEN re 10 Motion to Take Judicial Notice. (znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

18

SEALED DOCUMENT (Declaration) filed by JANA JANSEN. re 13 Motion for TRO, Motion for Preliminary Injunction. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

19

NOTICE of Filing Sealed Declaration by JANA JANSEN re 13 Motion for TRO, Motion for Preliminary Injunction, 18 Sealed Document (znmw) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 7, 2025

Sept. 7, 2025

20

ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's motion to appoint counsel 6, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall appoint counsel from the courts Civil Pro Bono Panel. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/08/2025. (lclla1) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

.Order

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiff's 2 Motion for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis is GRANTED, and the Clerk of Court shall assign this case randomly to a judge for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on 9/8/25. (psu2)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (zmbs)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: In light of the court's order granting Plaintiff's motion to proceed in forma pauperis, Sep. 8, 2025 Minute Order, it is hereby ORDERED that the Deputy Clerk of the Court is directed to issue summons and shall cause service to be effected by the U.S. Marshals Service on the following defendants: President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiff's motion for service of process 7 is DENIED as moot. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/08/2025. (lclla1)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's motion to file her address under seal, designate a substitute address, and permit electronic service 4, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is DENIED. Plaintiff's request to file her address under seal is moot in light of her sealed declaration 16 . Plaintiff's request to designate a substitute address on the public docket is moot because it is not necessary for her to have an address on the public docket. And Plaintiff must file a motion that complies with Local Civ. R. 5.4(b)(2) in order to receive access to CM/ECF. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/08/2025. (lclla1)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

24

MOTION for Order by JANA JANSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(mg) (Entered: 09/18/2025)

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

.Order

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiff Jana Jansen's contact information does not appear in the public record, and she has not provided a telephone number as required of pro se parties. See LCvR 5.1(c)(1). As a result, prospective appointed counsel, see ECF No. 20, has no way of contacting her. Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that, on or before September 12, 2025, Ms. Jansen shall file a notice containing a telephone number and/or email address where she can be reached by appointed counsel. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/09/2025. (lclla1)

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

21

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Submission, # 2 Sealed Notice, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025

22

SUMMONS (8) Issued as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General; sent to U.S. Marshals Service. (znmw) (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025

23

SEALED DOCUMENT filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Sealed Notice)(mg) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Motion to File Notice Under Seal 21, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and Plaintiff's Motion to File Notice Under Seal 21, Notice of Submission of Contact Information [21-1], and Sealed Notice of Submission of Contact Information [21-2] shall be filed under seal. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/11/2025. (lclla1)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

25

MOTION to Expedite, MOTION for Protective Order by JANA JANSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(mg) (Entered: 09/18/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

26

SEALED DOCUMENT (Declaration) UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(mg) Modified event title on 9/22/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 09/18/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

28

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM to re 13 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by JANA JANSEN. (znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

29

MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Motion for Temporary Restraining Order by JANA JANSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

30

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

31

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

32

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by JANA JANSEN (znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

33

MOTION for Administrative Relief, MOTION for Order to Administratively Seal Prior Versions by JANA JANSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Complaint, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet, # 4 DE 2, # 5 DE 3, # 6 DE 3 - Order, # 7 DE 4, # 8 DE 4 - Order, # 9 DE 5, # 10 DE 5 - Order, # 11 DE 6, # 12 DE 6 - Other, # 13 DE 7, # 14 DE 7 - Order, # 15 DE 8, # 16 DE 8 - Summons, # 17 DE 9, # 18 DE 9 - Order, # 19 DE 10, # 20 DE 10 - Order, # 21 DE 11, # 22 DE 11 - Order, # 23 DE 13, # 24 DE 13 - Order, # 25 DE 14, # 26 DE 15, # 27 DE 17, # 28 DE 17 - Order, # 29 DE 19, # 30 DE 21 - Motion, # 31 DE 21 - Notice, # 32 DE 21 - Order)(znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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2 Complaint

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3 Civil Cover Sheet

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4 DE 2

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5 DE 3

View on PACER

6 DE 3 - Order

View on PACER

7 DE 4

View on PACER

8 DE 4 - Order

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9 DE 5

View on PACER

10 DE 5 - Order

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11 DE 6

View on PACER

12 DE 6 - Other

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13 DE 7

View on PACER

14 DE 7 - Order

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15 DE 8

View on PACER

16 DE 8 - Summons

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17 DE 9

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18 DE 9 - Order

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19 DE 10

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20 DE 10 - Order

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21 DE 11

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22 DE 11 - Order

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23 DE 13

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24 DE 13 - Order

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25 DE 14

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26 DE 15

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27 DE 17

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28 DE 17 - Order

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29 DE 19

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30 DE 21 - Motion

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31 DE 21 - Notice

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32 DE 21 - Order

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Sept. 14, 2025

Sept. 14, 2025

Clearinghouse
27

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION served on 9/12/2025 (mg) (Entered: 09/18/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

34

NEW Pro Se Consent To Receive Notices of Electronic Filing by JANA JANSEN (znmw) (Entered: 09/22/2025)

Sept. 22, 2025

Sept. 22, 2025

35

SEALED MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/23/2025. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons)(zmhp) (Entered: 09/23/2025)

Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

36

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. Redacted version of the court's Sealed Memorandum Opinion and Order 35 . Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 9/23/2025. (lclla1) (Main Document 36 replaced on 9/24/2025) (zmhp).

Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

Clearinghouse
37

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT (Supplemental Declaration) UNDER SEAL filed by JANA JANSEN. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(mg) (Entered: 09/30/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

38

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by JANA JANSEN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(mg) (Entered: 09/30/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Clearinghouse
39

ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Motion for Administrative Relief to Substitute Corrected PDFs and to Administratively Seal Prior Versions 33, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the Clerk of Court shall substitute certain docket items with corrected versions. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 10/02/2025. (lclla1) (Entered: 10/02/2025)

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

Clearinghouse

.Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Status Motion for Interim Electronic Notice 24, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is DENIED as moot in light of Plaintiff's pro se consent to receive notices of electronic filing 34 . Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 10/02/2025. (lclla1)

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiff's Sealed Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal 30, 31, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and Plaintiff's Sealed Declarations 26 shall be filed under seal. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 10/02/2025. (lclla1)

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

40

Summons Returned Executed as to Federal Defendant

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

41

Summons Returned Executed as to Federal Defendant AND Summons Returned Executed as to U.S. Attorney General

Oct. 8, 2025

Oct. 8, 2025

42

Notice of Appearance

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

43

Stay

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

Order Staying Case AND Status Report Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

44

Summons Returned Executed as to Federal Defendant

Oct. 31, 2025

Oct. 31, 2025

Status Report Order

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 2, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A transgender woman who has legally transitioned.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Donald Trump, in his official capacity as President of the United States, Federal

United States Department of State, Federal

United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal

Social Security Administration, Federal

Department of Health and Human Services, Federal

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-02961

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief denied

Issues

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Transgender: IDs