Case: Democratic National Committee v. U.S. Department of Defense
1:26-cv-03431 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia
Filed Date: Oct. 1, 2026
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding in progress
Case Summary
[This summary is temporary while we research this case.]
On October 1, 2026, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), alleging unlawful changes to the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The DNC claimed the DOD declared an "emergency" in August 2026 to bypass public notice and comment under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), eliminating a checkbox for U.S. citizens born and remaining abroad—a group the DNC argued was disproportionately Democratic-leaning. The complaint further alleged that the DOD and OMB acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to engage in reasoned decision-making, provide adequate justification, or comply with PRA requirements. The DNC sought declaratory and injunctive relief to invalidate the revised FPCA, restore the prior version, and block its continued use. The lawsuit also demanded costs, attorneys’ fees, and any additional relief the court deemed appropriate.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Ana Lopez (11/1/2026)
People
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/74903859/parties/democratic-national-committee-v-us-department-of-defense/
McFadden, Trevor Neil (District of Columbia)
Freeman, Daniel J. (District of Columbia)
Documents in the Clearinghouse
Docket
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/74903859/democratic-national-committee-v-us-department-of-defense/
Last updated Nov. 8, 2026, 3:09 a.m.
Docket for: DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Case Details
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Oct. 1, 2026
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is a party committee in the United States dedicated to electing Democratic candidates in federal, state, and local elections across the country.
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
Federal
Office of Management and Budget
U.S. Department of Defense
Defendant Type(s):
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.
Other Dockets:
District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-03431
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Sought:
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
Voting:
Case Summary of Democratic National Committee v. U.S. Department of Defense, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48514/ (last updated 11/1/2026).