Case: National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States v. National Park Service

1:25-cv-04316 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Dec. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

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

On December 12, 2025, Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Donald Trump, the U.S. National Park Service, and others to challenge the demolition of the White House's East Wing. Plaintiffs sought declaratory relief that the construction is unlawful, as well as an injunction to prevent Defendants from engaging in further construction until a comprehensive EIS had been prepared and published.

This case is ongoing.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72028010/parties/national-trust-for-historic-preservation-in-the-united-states-v-national/


Judge(s)

Leon, Richard J. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Craig, Gregory Bestor (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Cumming, Gregory Martin (District of Columbia)

Gustafson, Adam R.F. (District of Columbia)

Piropato, Marissa Ann (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-04316

Complaint

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72028010/national-trust-for-historic-preservation-in-the-united-states-v-national/

Last updated Dec. 23, 2025, 12:25 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against JESSICA BOWRON, DOUGLAS BURGUM, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MICHAEL J. RIGAS, JOHN STANWICH, DONALD J. TRUMP ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12131689) filed by NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES. (Attachments: # 1 Summons - National Park Service, # 2 Summons - Jessica Bowron, # 3 Summons - John Stanwich, # 4 Summons - Department of the Interior, # 5 Summons - Douglas Burgum, # 6 Summons - General Services Administration, # 7 Summons - Michael J. Rigas, # 8 Summons - Donald J. Trump, # 9 Civil Cover Sheet)(Craig, Gregory) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

1 Summons - National Park Service

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2 Summons - Jessica Bowron

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3 Summons - John Stanwich

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4 Summons - Department of the Interior

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5 Summons - Douglas Burgum

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6 Summons - General Services Administration

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7 Summons - Michael J. Rigas

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8 Summons - Donald J. Trump

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9 Civil Cover Sheet

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Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration of Elizabeth S. Merritt, # 3 Declaration of Alison K. Hoagland, # 4 Declaration of Gregory B. Craig, # 5 Exhibit A, # 6 Exhibit B, # 7 Exhibit C, # 8 Exhibit D, # 9 Exhibit E, # 10 Exhibit F, # 11 Exhibit G, # 12 Exhibit H, # 13 Exhibit I, # 14 Exhibit J, # 15 Exhibit K, # 16 Exhibit L, # 17 Exhibit M, # 18 Exhibit N, # 19 Exhibit O, # 20 Exhibit P, # 21 Exhibit Q, # 22 Exhibit R, # 23 Exhibit S, # 24 Exhibit T, # 25 Exhibit U, # 26 Exhibit V, # 27 Exhibit W, # 28 Exhibit X, # 29 Exhibit Y, # 30 Exhibit Z, # 31 Exhibit AA, # 32 Exhibit BB, # 33 Exhibit CC, # 34 Exhibit DD, # 35 Exhibit EE, # 36 Text of Proposed Order for Temporary Restraining Order, # 37 Text of Proposed Order for Preliminary Injunction)(Craig, Gregory) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Declaration of Elizabeth S. Merritt

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3 Declaration of Alison K. Hoagland

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4 Declaration of Gregory B. Craig

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5 Exhibit A

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6 Exhibit B

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7 Exhibit C

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8 Exhibit D

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9 Exhibit E

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10 Exhibit F

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11 Exhibit G

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12 Exhibit H

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13 Exhibit I

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14 Exhibit J

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15 Exhibit K

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16 Exhibit L

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17 Exhibit M

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18 Exhibit N

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19 Exhibit O

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20 Exhibit P

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21 Exhibit Q

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22 Exhibit R

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23 Exhibit S

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24 Exhibit T

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25 Exhibit U

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26 Exhibit V

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27 Exhibit W

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28 Exhibit X

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29 Exhibit Y

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30 Exhibit Z

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31 Exhibit AA

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32 Exhibit BB

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33 Exhibit CC

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34 Exhibit DD

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35 Exhibit EE

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36 Text of Proposed Order for Temporary Restraining Order

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37 Text of Proposed Order for Preliminary Injunction

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Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

RECAP
3

NOTICE of Appearance by Jack C. Smith on behalf of NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES (Smith, Jack) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

RECAP
4

SUMMONS (8) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

1 Notice and Consent

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Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

RECAP
5

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE Attorney General Pamela Bondi filed by NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES. (Attachments: # 1 Summons Jeanine Ferris Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia)(Craig, Gregory) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

6

SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (mg) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

7

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Thaddeus Alan Heuer, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12133043. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Declaration of Thaddeus Alan Heuer, # 2 Exhibit B - Proposed Order)(Smith, Jack) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

8

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Matthew Francis Casassa, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12133071. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Declaration of Matthew Francis Casassa, # 2 Exhibit B - Proposed Order)(Smith, Jack) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

9

NOTICE of Appearance by Michelle M. Ramus on behalf of All Defendants (Ramus, Michelle) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

10

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark James Widerschein on behalf of All Defendants (Widerschein, Mark) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

11

NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory Martin Cumming on behalf of JESSICA BOWRON, DOUGLAS BURGUM, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MICHAEL J. RIGAS, JOHN STANWICH, DONALD J. TRUMP (Cumming, Gregory) (Main Document 11 replaced on 12/15/2025) (mg). (Entered: 12/12/2025)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Notice of Error- New Case

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Order Setting Hearing on Motion AND Scheduling Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Case Assigned to Judge Richard J. Leon. (zmtm)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR The following error(s) need correction: Missing summonses- U.S. government. When naming a U.S. government agent or agency as a defendant, you must supply a summons for each defendant & two additional summonses for the U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. Please submit using the event Request for Summons to Issue. (zmtm)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Regarding plaintiff's 2 Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, defendants are hereby ORDERED to file a response by Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The Court will hold a hearing on the motion on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM in Courtroom 18 (In Person) before Judge Richard J. Leon. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/12/2025. (lcrjl2)

Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

12

NOTICE of Appearance by Adam R.F. Gustafson on behalf of All Defendants (Gustafson, Adam) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

RECAP
13

MOTION for Leave to File DECLARATION EX PARTE, IN CAMERA by JESSICA BOWRON, DOUGLAS BURGUM, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MICHAEL J. RIGAS, JOHN STANWICH, DONALD J. TRUMP. (Widerschein, Mark) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

RECAP
14

Memorandum in opposition to re 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction filed by JESSICA BOWRON, DOUGLAS BURGUM, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MICHAEL J. RIGAS, JOHN STANWICH, DONALD J. TRUMP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 1A, # 3 Exhibit 1B, # 4 Exhibit 1C, # 5 Exhibit 1D, # 6 Exhibit 2, # 7 Exhibit 2A, # 8 Exhibit 2B, # 9 Exhibit 3, # 10 Exhibit 4, # 11 Exhibit 5)(Widerschein, Mark) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 1A

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3 Exhibit 1B

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4 Exhibit 1C

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5 Exhibit 1D

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6 Exhibit 2

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7 Exhibit 2A

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8 Exhibit 2B

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9 Exhibit 3

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10 Exhibit 4

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11 Exhibit 5

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Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

RECAP
15

ERRATA Notice by JESSICA BOWRON, DOUGLAS BURGUM, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MICHAEL J. RIGAS, JOHN STANWICH, DONALD J. TRUMP re 14 Memorandum in Opposition,,. (Attachments: # 1 Errata Memorandum in Opposition)(Cumming, Gregory) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Errata Memorandum in Opposition

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Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Appearance by Marissa Ann Piropato on behalf of All Defendants (Piropato, Marissa) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

RECAP

Order on Motion for Leave to File

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Motion Hearing

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of plaintiff's 7 Motion to Admit Thaddeus Alan Heuer Pro Hac Vice, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Thaddeus Alan Heuer be, and hereby is, admitted 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 Richard J. Leon on 12/16/2025. (lcrjl2)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of plaintiff's 8 Motion to Admit Matthew Francis Casassa Pro Hac Vice, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Matthew Francis Casassa be, and hereby is, admitted 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 Richard J. Leon on 12/16/2025. (lcrjl2)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of defendants' 13 MOTION for Leave to File Declaration Ex Parte, In Camera, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/16/2025. (lcrjl2)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Minute Entry for Motion Hearing held on 12/16/2025 before Judge Richard J. Leon. Oral arguments submitted on Plaintiff's Motion 2 for Temporary Restraining Order. Court takes matter under advisement. Forthcoming Order. Court Reporter: Lisa Edwards. (zljn)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Minute Entry for Motion Hearing held on 12/16/2025 before Judge Richard J. Leon. Oral arguments submitted on Plaintiff's Motion 2 for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction . Court takes matter under advisement. Forthcoming Order. Court Reporter: Lisa Edwards. (zljn) Modified text to correct event type on 12/18/2025 (zljn).

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

17

MEMORANDUM ORDER denying in part and deferring in part 2 Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. See attached Memorandum Order for details. Consistent with the attached Memorandum Order, a hearing on plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is set for January 15, 2026 at 3:30 PM in Courtroom 18 (In Person) before Judge Richard J. Leon. The parties shall file supplemental briefing as follows: Plaintiff's brief due December 29, 2025. // Defendants' response due January 8, 2026. // Plaintiff's reply due January 12, 2026. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/17/2025. (lcrjl2) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

RECAP
18

TRANSCRIPT OF MOTION HEARING before Judge Richard J. Leon held on December 16, 2025; Page Numbers: 1-38. Date of Issuance: December 17, 2025. Court Reporter/Transcriber Lisa Edwards, Telephone number (202) 354-3269, 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 1/7/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 1/17/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 3/17/2026.(Edwards, Lisa) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-04316

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket