Case: Freedom Network, USA v. President Donald J. Trump

1:25-cv-12419 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: Oct. 10, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary, while we research the case.)

On October 10, 2025, Freedom Network - a nonprofit coalition founded to end human trafficking and protect
survivors - filed this suit in the Northern District of Illinois against President Trump, the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies and their respective leadership. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring the enforcement of several anti-equity EOs issued by the executive. Plaintiffs alleged that Executive Order 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” and Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” have strangled their advocacy initiatives through extreme censorship. 

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Nick Martire (10/20/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71610372/parties/freedom-network-usa-v-president-donald-j-trump/


Judge(s)

Tharp, John Joseph (Illinois)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Stiehl, Jason Patrick (Illinois)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-12419

Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Freedom Network, USA v. President Donald J. Trump et al.

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

Complaint
18

1:25-cv-12419

Order

Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71610372/freedom-network-usa-v-president-donald-j-trump/

Last updated Oct. 19, 2025, 11:53 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF filed by Freedom Network, USA; Jury Demand. Filing fee $ 405, receipt number AILNDC-24187016. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

Clearinghouse
10

NOTIFICATION of Affiliates pursuant to Local Rule 3.2 by Freedom Network, USA (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

2

CIVIL Cover Sheet (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

CASE ASSIGNED to the Honorable John J. Tharp, Jr. Designated as Magistrate Judge the Honorable M. David Weisman. Case assignment: Random assignment. (Civil Category 3). (axk, )

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

CLERK'S NOTICE: Pursuant to Local Rule 73.1(b), a United States Magistrate Judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action. If all parties consent to have the currently assigned United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in this case, including trial, the entry of final judgment, and all post-trial proceedings, all parties must sign their names on the attached Consent To form. This consent form is eligible for filing only if executed by all parties. The parties can also express their consent to jurisdiction by a magistrate judge in any joint filing, including the Joint Initial Status Report or proposed Case Management Order. (axk, )

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

18

Order

Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 10, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff Freedom Network is a nonprofit coalition founded to end human trafficking and protect survivors

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

President Donald J. Trump, Federal

Case Details

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Separation of Powers

Spending/Appropriations Clauses

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Illinois 1:25-cv-12419

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Funding

Discrimination Area:

Content/viewpoint discrimination