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 complete

Case Summary

This lawsuit was filed by Freedom Network, a nonprofit coalition founded to end human trafficking and protect survivors, against the Trump Administration following Trump's issuance of two Executive Orders ("the anti-equity EOs") which prohibited Freedom Network from using certain words. The banned words included common terms such as "fair," "fairness," "pronouns," "identity," "equitable," "gender," and "culture," in addition to over 40 more listed in a Department of Justice ("DOJ") guidance doc…

This lawsuit was filed by Freedom Network, a nonprofit coalition founded to end human trafficking and protect survivors, against the Trump Administration following Trump's issuance of two Executive Orders ("the anti-equity EOs") which prohibited Freedom Network from using certain words. The banned words included common terms such as "fair," "fairness," "pronouns," "identity," "equitable," "gender," and "culture," in addition to over 40 more listed in a Department of Justice ("DOJ") guidance document. 

On October 10, 2025, Freedom Network filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois against President Trump, DOJ, and other federal agencies and their respective leadership. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring the enforcement of EO 14151 (Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing) and EO 14173 (Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity). Plaintiffs alleged that the anti-equity EOs strangled their advocacy efforts through extreme censorship and viewpoint discrimination in violation of Plaintiffs First Amendment and Due Process rights. This case was assigned to Judge John Joseph Tharp Jr.

On October 15, 2025, this case was stayed pending an end to the government shutdown because civil matters where the United States is a party were deemed "non-essential."

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Nick Martire (10/20/2025)

Related Cases

Chicago Women in Trades v. Trump, Northern District of Illinois (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)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Harrison, Keith J. (Illinois)

Stevens, Rachel (Illinois)

Stiehl, Jason Patrick (Illinois)

Talukder, Sabrina Asgari (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant

Chicago, AUSA - (Illinois)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
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

General Order Holding in Abeyance Civil Matters Involving the United States as a Party

Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

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

Last updated April 20, 2026, 3:34 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
18 Oct. 2, 2025

ORDER AMENDED GENERAL ORDER 25-0024: GENERAL ORDER HOLDING IN ABEYANCE: CIVIL MATTERS INVOLVING THE UNITED STATES AS A PARTY: This matter is before the Court due to the lapse of congressional appropriations funding the federal government, including the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office. Absent an appropriation, the United States represents that certain Department of Justice attorneys and employees of the federal government are prohibited from working, even on a voluntary basis, except in very limited circumstances, including "emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property." 31 U.S.C. § 1342. Therefore, the lapse in appropriations requires a reduction in the workforce of the United States Attorney's Office and other federal agencies, particularly with respect to prosecution and defense of civil cases. The Court, in response, and with the intent to avoid any default or prejudice to the United States or other civil litigants occasioned by the lapse in funding, sua sponte enters this General Order. As a result of the cited workforce reductions, it is hereby ORDERED, effective October 1, 2025, that all civil litigation involving as a party the United States of America, its agencies, its officers or employees (whether in their individual or official capacity and whether current or former employees), and/or any other party represented by the Department of Justice or the United States Attorney's Office is immediately suspended, postponed, and held in abeyance continuing until funding for federal government operations is fully restored. The Court may renew or modify this General Order depending on developments in the stay period. The Court intends "civil litigation" to include all pending non-criminal cases in which the United States, its agencies, its officers or employees (whether in their individual or official capacity and whether current or former employees) is in any way a named party and any non-criminal cases in which the United States Attorney's Office or the Department of Justice is counsel of record. This includes, without limitation, all pending Social Security cases and all cases seeking monetary or equitable relief in which the United States is involved as a civil litigant. The General Order does not affect habeas corpus cases pending or filed under Chapter 153 of Title 28. This General Order suspends and continues, during the stay, any and all events and deadlines in the affected civil litigation (whether established by order, rule, or agreement), including but not limited to any scheduled proceedings, hearings, and/or discovery and pleading dates. No party will be required to take any steps in civil litigation affected until expiration of the stay. The Court warns litigants that this General Order does not purport to affect rights to, or deadlines concerning, appeal from any decision of this Court, which will continue to operate and issue orders in the normal course. Any litigant affected by this General Order may seek relief from the order by motion. The Court may, in any particular case, vary the effect or operation of this General Order by a separate order. The Court shall distribute this General Order: (a) by electronic service to all registered CM/ECF users; (b) by first-class mail to unregistered civil litigants, including pro se litigants, and to attorneys pending pro hac vice admission; and (c) by posting the General Order on the Court's public website. This General Order does not operate as a stay of any injunction or restraining order entered by any judge of this court. The Court shall clarify the status of case schedules upon expiration of the stay and dependent on the timing of the funding resolution. Signed by the Honorable Virginia M. Kendall on 10/2/2025. Mailed notice.(nh, ) (Entered: 10/15/2025)

Clearinghouse
1 Oct. 10, 2025

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

Clearinghouse
2 Oct. 10, 2025

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

RECAP
10 Oct. 10, 2025

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

RECAP
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

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, )

19 Nov. 6, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Rachel Stevens; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24316234. (Stevens, Rachel) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

RECAP
29 Nov. 7, 2025

SUMMONS Issued (Court Participant) as to Pam Bondi, Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Management and Budget, Donald J Trump, U.S. Department of Justice, Russell Vought, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons)(man, ) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

RECAP
30 Nov. 7, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable John J. Tharp, Jr:Attorney Stevens' motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 19 is granted. Counsel is directed to file an appearance on behalf of the plaintiff. Mailed notice (air, ) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

RECAP
31 Nov. 11, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Rachel Stevens (Stevens, Rachel) (Entered: 11/11/2025)

RECAP
32 Nov. 11, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Parker S Warrington, III; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24330891. (Warrington, Parker) (Entered: 11/11/2025)

RECAP
33 Nov. 11, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Keith J. Harrison; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24331319. (Harrison, Keith) (Entered: 11/11/2025)

RECAP
34 Nov. 12, 2025

NOTICE by Freedom Network, USA re MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Parker S Warrington, III; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24330891. 32 Corrected Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Warrington Parker (Corrected as to admission date typographical error in Attachment A) (Warrington, Parker) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

RECAP
35 Nov. 12, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Kathryn Youker; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24335857. (Youker, Kathryn) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

RECAP
36 Nov. 12, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Freedom Network, USA by Sabrina Asgari Talukder; Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-24336280. (Talukder, Sabrina) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

RECAP
37 Nov. 13, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable John J. Tharp, Jr:The motions for leave to appear pro hac vice 33, 35, 36 are granted. Additionally, Attorney Parker's corrected motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 34 is granted. The original motion 32 is denied as moot. All attorneys are directed to file appearances on behalf of the plaintiff. Mailed notice (air, ) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

RECAP
38 Nov. 13, 2025

NOTICE by Freedom Network, USA Notice of Filing of Motion for Reassignment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Motion for Reassignment, # 2 Exhibit Ex A to Motion for Reassignment)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

RECAP
39 Nov. 14, 2025

ORDER GENERAL ORDER 25-0028: RESETTING OF DEADLINES IN CIVIL MATTERS INVOLVING THE UNITED STATES AS A PARTY IT APPEARING THAT as a result of the partial federal government shutdown, this Court amended General Order 25-0024 suspending as of October 1, 2025, all civil litigation in which the United States of America, its agencies, its officers, or employees were parties, with the stated intention of clarifying schedules in such cases upon the expiration of the lapse in appropriations; and IT FURTHER APPEARING THAT appropriations having been restored to fund the Department of Justice and other Executive Branch agencies, with employees beginning to report for work beginning on November 13, 2025; accordingly IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the stay entered by General Order 25-0024 is hereby lifted, and any and all deadlines in affected civil cases (whether established by order, rule, or agreement.), including but not limited to any scheduled discovery and pleading dates, are extended by 49 days. The Court warns litigants that this General Order does not purport to affect rights to or deadlines concerning appeal from any decision of this Court. Any litigant affected by this General Order may seek relief from the order by motion. Trial dates in the affected cases will stand, although they may need to be adjusted in individual cases to account for the extension of other dates. The Court may, in any particular case, vary the effect or operation of this General Order by a separate ruling. The Court shall distribute this General Order: (a) by electronic service to all registered CM/ECF users; (b) by first-class mail to unregistered civil litigants, including pro se litigants, and to attorneys pending pro hac vice admission; and (c) by posting the General Order on the Court's public website. Signed by the Honorable Virginia M. Kendall on 11/14/2025: Mailed notice. (tg, ) (Entered: 11/14/2025)

RECAP
40 Nov. 18, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable John J. Tharp, Jr:In light of General Order 25-0028, the plaintiff's deadline to effect service is extended to 2/26/2026. Mailed notice (air, ) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

RECAP
41 Nov. 19, 2025

REQUEST for Clerk of Court to refund filing fee in the amount of $150.00, receipt no. AILNDC-24335966, Freedom Network, USA v. President Donald J. Trump et al. (Youker, Kathryn) (Entered: 11/19/2025)

RECAP
42 Nov. 20, 2025

REFUND PROCESSED re REQUEST for Clerk of Court to refund filing fee in the amount of $150.00, receipt no. AILNDC-24335966, Freedom Network, USA v. President Donald J. Trump et al. (Youker, Kathryn) 41 (td, ) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

RECAP
43 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Office for Victims of Crime on 11/19/2025, answer due 12/10/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
44 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Russell Vought on 11/19/2025, answer due 12/10/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
45 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Anthony Boutros on 11/18/2025, answer due 12/9/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
46 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to U.S. Department of Justice on 11/19/2025, answer due 12/10/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
47 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Office of Management and Budget on 11/25/2025, answer due 12/16/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
48 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Pam Bondi on 11/19/2025, answer due 12/10/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
49 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Donald J Trump on 11/25/2025, answer due 12/16/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
50 Dec. 9, 2025

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Freedom Network, USA as to Office of Justice Programs on 11/19/2025, answer due 12/10/2025. (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
51 Dec. 9, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Jason Patrick Stiehl Notice of Appearance Anuj Vohra (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
52 Dec. 9, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Jason Patrick Stiehl Notice of Appearance Keith Harrison (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
53 Dec. 9, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Jason Patrick Stiehl (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

RECAP
54 Dec. 11, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: This case is set for an initial telephonic status hearing on 12/17/2025 at 9:00 AM, using call-in number 650-479-3207, access code 2305-915-8729. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to promptly provide notice of this order to Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Walsh (ILND-USAO). (mk) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

RECAP
55 Dec. 11, 2025

STATUS Report by Freedom Network, USA (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

RECAP
56 Dec. 14, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Kathryn Youker (Youker, Kathryn) (Entered: 12/14/2025)

RECAP
57 Dec. 14, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Sabrina Asgari Talukder (Talukder, Sabrina) (Entered: 12/14/2025)

RECAP
58 Dec. 15, 2025

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for leave to file excess pages Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion to Enlarge Page Limitation (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

RECAP
59 Dec. 16, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Plaintiff's motion for leave to file a 30 page preliminary injunction memorandum 58 is granted. Also, at the Court's instance, the telephonic status hearing set for 9:00 AM on 12/17/2025 is advanced to 8:50 AM on that same date, using call-in number 650-479-3207, access code 2305-915-8729. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to promptly provide notice of this order to Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Walsh. (mk) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

RECAP
60 Dec. 17, 2025

DESIGNATION of Patrick Walter Johnson as U.S. Attorney for Defendants Pam Bondi, Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Management and Budget, Donald J Trump, U.S. Department of Justice, Russell Vought (Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

RECAP
61 Dec. 17, 2025

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA by Aneel Lachman Chablani (Chablani, Aneel) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

RECAP
62 Dec. 17, 2025

DESIGNATION of Thomas P. Walsh as U.S. Attorney for Defendants Pam Bondi, Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Management and Budget, Donald J Trump, U.S. Department of Justice, Russell Vought (Walsh, Thomas) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

RECAP
63 Dec. 17, 2025

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Telephonic status hearing held on 12/17/2025. The motion for preliminary injunction is to be filed by 12/19/2025. Government's response is due 1/20/2026; plaintiff's reply is due 2/3/2026. The case is set for a telephonic status hearing on 2/5/2026 at 8:45 a.m. The following call-in number will be used for the hearing: 650-479-3207; access code 2305-915-8729. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

RECAP
64 Dec. 19, 2025

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for preliminary injunction (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit 2, # 5 Exhibit 3, # 6 Exhibit 4, # 7 Exhibit 5, # 8 Exhibit 6, # 9 Exhibit 7, # 10 Exhibit 8, # 11 Exhibit 9, # 12 Exhibit 10, # 13 Exhibit 11, # 14 Exhibit 12, # 15 Exhibit 13, # 16 Exhibit 14)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

1 Appendix A

View on PACER

2 Declaration of Jean Bruggeman

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

4 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

5 Exhibit 3

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 4

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 5

View on PACER

8 Exhibit 6

View on PACER

9 Exhibit 7

View on PACER

10 Exhibit 8

View on PACER

11 Exhibit 9

View on PACER

12 Exhibit 10

View on PACER

13 Exhibit 11

View on PACER

14 Exhibit 12

View on PACER

15 Exhibit 13

View on PACER

16 Exhibit 14

View on PACER

RECAP
65 Dec. 31, 2025

ANNUAL REMINDER: Pursuant to Local Rule 3.2 (Notification of Affiliates), any nongovernmental party, other than an individual or sole proprietorship, must file a statement identifying all its affiliates known to the party after diligent review or, if the party has identified no affiliates, then a statement reflecting that fact must be filed. An affiliate is defined as follows: any entity or individual owning, directly or indirectly (through ownership of one or more other entities), 5% or more of a party. The statement is to be electronically filed as a PDF in conjunction with entering the affiliates in CM/ECF as prompted. As a reminder to counsel, parties must supplement their statements of affiliates within thirty (30) days of any change in the information previously reported. This minute order is being issued to all counsel of record to remind counsel of their obligation to provide updated information as to additional affiliates if such updating is necessary. If counsel has any questions regarding this process, this LINK will provide additional information. Signed by the Honorable Virginia M. Kendall on 12/31/2025: Mailed notice. (tg, ) (Entered: 01/01/2026)

RECAP
66 Jan. 20, 2026

MOTION by Defendant U.S. Department of Justice to amend/correct scheduling order regarding preliminary injunction motion (Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

RECAP
67 Jan. 21, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: At the Court's instance, the telephonic status hearing set for 2/5/2026 is vacated and advanced to 1/23/2026 at 8:40 AM, using call-in number 650-479-3207, access code 2305-915-8729. The motion to amend the schedule will be addressed at that time. (mk) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

RECAP
68 Jan. 23, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Telephonic status and motion hearings held on 1/23/2025. Defendant's motion to modify 66 is granted. Plaintiff's amended complaint is due 2/6/2026. The current motion by the plaintiff for preliminary injunction 64 is terminated as moot based on the anticipated filing of an amended complaint. Any new motion for preliminary injunction is to be filed by 2/20/2026. The response to motion for preliminary injunction is due 3/6/2026; the reply is due 3/20/2026. The telephonic status hearing set for 2/5/2026 is vacated and reset to 3/16/2026 at 8:45 a.m. The following call-in number will be used for the hearing: 650-479-3207; access code 2305-915-8729. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 01/23/2026)

RECAP
69 Feb. 6, 2026

First AMENDED complaint by Freedom Network, USA against All Defendants (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 02/06/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

4 Exhibit D

View on PACER

5 Exhibit E

View on PACER

6 Exhibit F

View on PACER

RECAP
70 Feb. 20, 2026

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for preliminary injunction Amended (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit 2, # 5 Exhibit 3, # 6 Exhibit 4, # 7 Exhibit 5, # 8 Exhibit 6, # 9 Exhibit 7, # 10 Exhibit 8, # 11 Exhibit 9, # 12 Exhibit 10, # 13 Exhibit 11, # 14 Exhibit 12, # 15 Exhibit 13, # 16 Exhibit 14, # 17 Supplement Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 18 Exhibit A, # 19 Exhibit B, # 20 Text of Proposed Order Granting Amended Motion for Preliminary Injunction)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

1 Appendix A

View on PACER

2 Declaration of Jean Bruggeman

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

4 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

5 Exhibit 3

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 4

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 5

View on PACER

8 Exhibit 6

View on PACER

9 Exhibit 7

View on PACER

10 Exhibit 8

View on PACER

11 Exhibit 9

View on PACER

12 Exhibit 10

View on PACER

13 Exhibit 11

View on PACER

14 Exhibit 12

View on PACER

15 Exhibit 13

View on PACER

16 Exhibit 14

View on PACER

17 Supplement Declaration of Jean Bruggeman

View on PACER

18 Exhibit A

View on PACER

19 Exhibit B

View on PACER

20 Text of Proposed Order Granting Amended Motion for Preliminary Injunction

View on PACER

RECAP
71 Feb. 23, 2026

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for temporary restraining order (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Anuj Vohra, # 2 Supplement Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 3 Exhibit A to Supplemental Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 4 Exhibit B Declaration of Jean Bruggeman, # 5 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Temporary Restraining Order)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

1

View on RECAP

RECAP
72 Feb. 24, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Plaintiff's motion for temporary restraining order 71 is set for an in-person hearing on 2/24/2026 at 2:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in Courtroom 2103. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
73 Feb. 24, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: In person argument heard on plaintiff's motion for a temporary restraining order 71 . The motion is granted. Enter Temporary Restraining Order. The status hearing set for 3/16/2026 is vacated. The case is set for an in-person preliminary injunction hearing on 3/6/2026 at 2:00 PM. The parties should decide if they need to present witness testimony and should advise Judge Kennelly's courtroom deputy clerk by no later than the close of business on 3/4/2026. The deadline for defendants' brief in opposition to plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is advanced to 12:00 PM Central Time on 3/5/2026. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
74 Feb. 24, 2026

ORDER on Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order: Signed by the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly on 2/24/2026. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
75 Feb. 25, 2026

STATUS Report regarding TRO compliance by U.S. Department of Justice (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

RECAP
76 March 2, 2026

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA to supplement the Factual Record in Support of Plaintiff's Amended Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Second Supplemental of Jean Bruggeman, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion to Supplement the Factual Record)(Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

RECAP
77 March 3, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Plaintiff's motion to supplement the record 76 is set for a telephonic hearing tomorrow morning, 3/4/2026, at 8:45 AM, using call-in number 650-479-3207, access code 2305-915-8729. (mk) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
78 March 4, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: Telephonic status hearing held on 3/4/2026. Plaintiff's motion to supplement 76 is granted. The in-person preliminary injunction hearing set for 3/6/2026 is vacated and reset to 3/11/2026 at 9:30 a.m. The deadline for defendants' brief in opposition to plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is extended to 3/9/2026. The defendants have leave to file a 30-page brief. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

RECAP
79 March 8, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: At the Court's instance, the time for the preliminary injunction hearing on 3/11/2026 is moved to 9:45 AM. In addition, the telephonic status hearing previously set for 3/16/2026 is vacated. (mk) (Entered: 03/08/2026)

RECAP
80 March 9, 2026

RESPONSE by U.S. Department of Justicein Opposition to MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for preliminary injunction Amended 70 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9)(Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

RECAP
81 March 11, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: In person preliminary injunction hearing held on 3/11/2026. Oral argument heard on the motion for preliminary injunction 70 . The motion for preliminary injunction is taken under advisement. The Temporary Restraining Order is extended to 3/24/2026 in good cause, given the complexity of the arguments on the motion for preliminary injunction and the continued propriety of the TRO. Mailed notice. (mma, ) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

RECAP
82 March 12, 2026

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly: The minute entry dated 3/11/2026 (dkt. 81) is corrected to read as follows. In person preliminary injunction hearing held on 3/11/2026. Oral argument heard on the motion for preliminary injunction 70 . The motion for preliminary injunction is taken under advisement. The Temporary Restraining Order is extended through 3/24/2026 based on good cause, given the complexity of the arguments on the motion for preliminary injunction and the continued propriety of the TRO. (mk) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

RECAP
83 March 16, 2026

MOTION by Defendant U.S. Department of Justice for leave to file response to court's inquiry at oral argument (Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

RECAP
84 March 17, 2026

MOTION by Defendant U.S. Department of Justice to clarify scope of TRO (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

RECAP
85 March 17, 2026

MOTION by Plaintiff Freedom Network, USA for leave to file a Response to Defendants' March 16, 2026 Motion (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

RECAP
86 March 18, 2026

MEMORANDUM by Freedom Network, USA in Opposition to motion to clarify 84 Scope of Temporary Restraining Order (Stiehl, Jason) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
87 March 19, 2026

DESIGNATION of Jelena Kolic as U.S. Attorney for Defendants Pam Bondi, Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Management and Budget, Donald J Trump, U.S. Department of Justice, Russell Vought (Kolic, Jelena) (Entered: 03/19/2026)

RECAP
88 March 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER signed by the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly on 3/23/2026: For the reasons stated in the accompanying Memorandum Opinion and Order, the Court grants, in part, the plaintiffs' amended motion for a preliminary injunction [dkt. no. 70] and will separately enter an order embodying the relief the Court has ordered. The Court grants defendant's motion for leave to file response to court's inquiry at oral argument [dkt. no. 83] and plaintiff's motion for leave to file a response [dkt. no. 85]. The Court denies as moot defendants' motion to clarify the scope of the temporary restraining order [dkt. no. 84] and plaintiff's motion to file a memorandum in opposition [dkt. no. 86] because the preliminary injunction order supersedes the temporary restraining order. The Court sets the case for a telephonic status hearing on April 29, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., using call-in number 650-479-3207, access code 2305-915-8729. The parties are directed to file a joint status report on April 24, 2026. (mk) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
89 March 23, 2026

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ORDER signed by the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly on 3/23/2026. (mk) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
90 March 23, 2026

CORRECTED MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER signed by the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly on 3/23/2026: This corrected Memorandum Opinion and Order reinserts the inadvertently omitted Conclusion section and supersedes the earlier version found at dkt. 88. The Court apologizes for the error. (mk) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
91 March 24, 2026

STATUS Report Regarding Preliminary Injunction Compliance by U.S. Department of Justice (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Johnson, Patrick) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

RECAP
92 March 30, 2026

Notice of Status of Grant Application by Freedom Network, USA (Warrington, Parker) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

RECAP
93 April 7, 2026

STATUS Report Regarding PI Compliance by U.S. Department of Justice (Johnson, Patrick)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

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

Federal

President Donald J. Trump

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

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 Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Funding

Discrimination Area:

Content/viewpoint discrimination

Recommended Citation