Filed Date: Oct. 23, 2025
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
This case is a challenge to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to turn over records concerning the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) involvement in the DOJ’s cancellation of over $800 million in grants, including grants addressing public safety functions.
On October 23, 2025, plaintiff Democracy Forward Foundation (DFF) brought suit against defendants U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to compel compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Plaintiffs alleged that it filed several FOIA requests to shed light on the DOJ’s Office of Justice Program's (OJP) abrupt and large-scale termination of grants in early 2025. The requested records included electronic communications by DOJ and DOGE officials and documentation of the grant terminations. According to plaintiffs, OJP received the requests, but did not produced the requested documents in violation of FOIA. Plaintiffs requested that the court declare the defendant’s withholding of records responsive to the request unlawful, order the defendants to search for and produce any and all non-exempt responsive records, and enjoin the defendants from continuing to withhold such records.
As of November 17, 2025, this case is in the early stages of litigation.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Sofia Yoder (11/17/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71730986/parties/democracy-forward-foundation-v-us-department-of-justice/
Nichols, Carl John (District of Columbia)
McGrath, Daniel Alexander (District of Columbia)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71730986/democracy-forward-foundation-v-us-department-of-justice/
Last updated Dec. 26, 2025, 12:46 a.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 1.0 & 2.0 FOIA cases
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Oct. 23, 2025
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Plaintiff DFF is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia and based in Washington, D.C. Plaintiff works to promote transparency and accountability in government, in part, by educating the public on government actions and policies.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Non-profit NON-religious organization
Attorney Organizations:
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
U.S. Department of Justice (District of Columbia, District of Columbia), Federal
Federal Bureau of Investigation (District of Columbia, District of Columbia), Federal
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), 5 U.S.C. § 552
Other Dockets:
District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-03755
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Sought:
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority: