Case: American Academy of Pediatrics v. Federal Trade Commission

1:26-cv-00508 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Feb. 17, 2026

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics filed this lawsuit on February 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Federal Trade Commission and its commissioners. The complaint asserted causes of action under the First Amendment for retaliation and viewpoint discrimination, and under the Fourth Amendment for unreasonable search, arising from the FTC’s issuance of a Civil Investigative Demand targeting AAP’s speech about gender-affirming care. Plaintiff argued that t…

The American Academy of Pediatrics filed this lawsuit on February 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Federal Trade Commission and its commissioners.

The complaint asserted causes of action under the First Amendment for retaliation and viewpoint discrimination, and under the Fourth Amendment for unreasonable search, arising from the FTC’s issuance of a Civil Investigative Demand targeting AAP’s speech about gender-affirming care. Plaintiff argued that the FTC exceeded its statutory authority under the FTC Act by investigating a nonprofit organization engaged in noncommercial scientific and policy speech that was not “in or affecting commerce.” Filing under the First and Fourth Amendments, Plaintiffs alleged Retaliation for Protected Activity, Viewpoint Discrimination, and Improper Investigation. They sought declaratory and injunctive relief quashing the CID and barring further enforcement of the investigation. This case was assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper.

On February 20, 2026, Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction. In their motion, Plaintiffs requested that the court enjoin Defendants from implementing or enforcing the CID served on AAP, and from further interfering with AAP's First Amendment rights. Defendants' opposition to Plaintiffs' preliminary injunction is due March 13, 2026, with Plaintiff to file a reply in support of their motion by March 23, 2026.

This case is ongoing.

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Summary Authors

Ben Hefter (2/27/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72286835/parties/american-academy-of-pediatrics-v-federal-trade-commission/

Judge(s)

Cooper, Christopher Reid (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Charles, Amber M. (District of Columbia)

Grigsby, Stacey K. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Beck, Ethan D. (District of Columbia)

Potapov, Alex (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Cooper, Christopher Reid (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Charles, Amber M. (District of Columbia)

Grigsby, Stacey K. (District of Columbia)

Widas, Alexandra (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Beck, Ethan D. (District of Columbia)

Potapov, Alex (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 1:26-cv-00508	Complaint	Feb. 17, 2026	Feb. 17, 2026 Complaint
6 1:26-cv-00508	Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction	Feb. 20, 2026	Feb. 20, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72286835/american-academy-of-pediatrics-v-federal-trade-commission/

Last updated April 1, 2026, 3:14 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12248007) filed by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit FTC Civil Investigative Demand, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Summons Summons USAG, # 4 Summons Summons FTC, # 5 Summons Summons Ferguson, # 6 Summons Summons Meador, # 7 Summons Summons U.S. Attorney's Office of D.C.)(Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 02/17/2026) 1 Exhibit FTC Civil Investigative Demand View on RECAP 2 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 3 Summons Summons USAG View on PACER 4 Summons Summons FTC View on PACER 5 Summons Summons Ferguson View on PACER 6 Summons Summons Meador View on PACER 7 Summons Summons U.S. Attorney's Office of D.C. View on PACER	Feb. 17, 2026	Feb. 17, 2026 Clearinghouse
2	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 02/17/2026)	Feb. 17, 2026	Feb. 17, 2026
3	NOTICE of Appearance by Alexandra Widas on behalf of AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (Widas, Alexandra) (Entered: 02/17/2026)	Feb. 17, 2026	Feb. 17, 2026
4	NOTICE of Appearance by Amber M. Charles on behalf of AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (Charles, Amber) (Entered: 02/17/2026)	Feb. 17, 2026	Feb. 17, 2026
5	SUMMONS (5) Issued Electronically as to FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MARK R. MEADOR, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zhcn) (Entered: 02/18/2026)	Feb. 18, 2026	Feb. 18, 2026
	Case Assigned/Reassigned	Feb. 18, 2026	Feb. 18, 2026
	Case Assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper. (zhcn)	Feb. 18, 2026	Feb. 18, 2026
6	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration M. Del Monte, # 2 Declaration S. Grigsby, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 02/20/2026) 1 Declaration M. Del Monte View on PACER 2 Declaration S. Grigsby View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	Feb. 20, 2026	Feb. 20, 2026 Clearinghouse
7	NOTICE of Appearance by Ethan D. Beck on behalf of All Defendants (Beck, Ethan) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026
8	STIPULATION TO EXTEND DEADLINES by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. (Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026 RECAP
9	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General February 18, 2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Acknowledgment of Service)(Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026
11	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 2/18/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 4/19/2026. (See Docket Entry 9 to view document) (zjm) (Entered: 02/25/2026)	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026
	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Hearings	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER setting a Scheduling Conference for February 24, 2026, at 11:30 AM by video teleconference. Zoom information will be forthcoming. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/23/2026. (lccrc2)	Feb. 23, 2026	Feb. 23, 2026
10	NOTICE of Appearance by Alex Potapov on behalf of All Defendants (Potapov, Alex) (Entered: 02/24/2026)	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026
	Scheduling Conference	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026
	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' 8 Joint Stipulation to Extend Deadlines, the Court hereby directs Defendants to file their opposition to Plaintiff's 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction by or on March 13, 2026, and Plaintiff to file its reply in support of its motion by or on March 23, 2026. The Court will determine whether and when to hold a hearing on the motion once it has received Defendants' opposition. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/24/2026. (lccrc2)	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026
	Minute Entry for video Scheduling Conference held before Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/24/2026. Forthcoming Order. (Court Reporter: Lisa Moreira) (lsj)	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026
12	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MARK R. MEADOR. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Beck, Ethan) (Entered: 02/25/2026)	Feb. 25, 2026	Feb. 25, 2026
	Notice of Error	Feb. 25, 2026	Feb. 25, 2026
	Summons Returned Executed as to US Attorney	Feb. 25, 2026	Feb. 25, 2026
	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 9 Summons Returned Executed as to U.S. Attorney General. The following error(s) need correction: US Attorney General information not provided - Please refile. (zjm)	Feb. 25, 2026	Feb. 25, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER granting Defendants' 12 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Extend Deadline or Move to Dismiss. Defendants shall answer or otherwise respond to the complaint 30 days after the Court rules on Plaintiff's 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/26/2026. (lccrc2)	Feb. 26, 2026	Feb. 26, 2026
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Set/Reset Deadlines	Feb. 26, 2026	Feb. 26, 2026
13	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS served on 3/3/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Grigsby, Stacey) (Entered: 03/09/2026)	March 9, 2026	March 9, 2026
14	NOTICE of Appearance by John Bailey on behalf of All Defendants (Bailey, John) (Entered: 03/09/2026)	March 9, 2026	March 9, 2026
15	AMICUS BRIEF by Amici States Illinois and Massachusetts. (Meth, Elena) (Entered: 03/10/2026)	March 10, 2026	March 10, 2026 RECAP
16	NOTICE of Appearance by Aaron Martin Panner on behalf of AMICI ACADEMIC PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION, ET AL. (Panner, Aaron) (Entered: 03/10/2026)	March 10, 2026	March 10, 2026
17	Consent MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by AMICI ACADEMIC PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION, ET AL.. (Attachments: # 1 Amicus Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Panner, Aaron) (Entered: 03/10/2026) 1 View on RECAP	March 10, 2026	March 10, 2026
18	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, # 3 LCvP 26.1 Certificate)(Loewy, Karen) (Entered: 03/10/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER 2 Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund View on RECAP 3 LCvP 26.1 Certificate View on PACER	March 10, 2026	March 10, 2026 RECAP
19	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel F. Mummolo on behalf of All Defendants (Mummolo, Daniel) (Entered: 03/11/2026)	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026
20	NOTICE of Appearance by Karen Loewy on behalf of LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC. (Loewy, Karen) (Entered: 03/11/2026)	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026
21	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- A.D. Sean Lewis, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12292823. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaraion of A.D.Sean Lewis, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing of A.D. Sean Lewis, # 3 Proposed Order)(Loewy, Karen) (Entered: 03/11/2026)	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026
22	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Jessica Polansky, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12293892. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaraion of Jessica Polansky, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing of Jessica Polansky, # 3 Proposed Order)(Loewy, Karen) (Entered: 03/11/2026)	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026
23	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Morgan J. Walker, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12293895. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Morgan J. Walker, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing of Morgan J. Walker, # 3 Proposed Order)(Loewy, Karen) (Entered: 03/11/2026)	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026
24	Memorandum in opposition to re 6 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ANDREW N. FERGUSON, MARK R. MEADOR. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, John) (Entered: 03/13/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026 RECAP
	Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026
	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER granting 21 22 23 Motions for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. 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 Christopher R. Cooper on 3/13/2026. (lccrc2) Modified on 3/13/2026 (lsj).	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER granting Academic Pediatric Association, et al.'s 17 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 3/13/2026. (lccrc2) Modified to correct filer's name on 3/13/2026 (lsj).	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER granting Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund's 18 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 3/13/2026. (lccrc2)	March 13, 2026	March 13, 2026
25	Summons Returned Executed as to U.S. Attorney General	March 16, 2026	March 16, 2026
26	Notice of Appearance	March 16, 2026	March 16, 2026
27	NOTICE of Appearance by Morgan Walker on behalf of LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC. (Walker, Morgan) (Entered: 03/19/2026)	March 19, 2026	March 19, 2026

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 17, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving childrens' health

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Federal Trade Commission

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-00508

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Content/viewpoint discrimination

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Transgender

LGBTQ+:

Transgender

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of American Academy of Pediatrics v. Federal Trade Commission, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47833/ (last updated 2/27/2026).