Case: Trump v. Clinton

2:22-cv-14102 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Filed Date: March 24, 2022

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case, filed by President Donald Trump, alleged that Hillary Clinton and top members of her campaign engaged in a coordinated, multi-party scheme to damage Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Trump brought suit against 28 defendants, including Hillary Clinton, a number of top members of the Clinton campaign, the Democratic National Committee, law firm Perkins Coie, as well as 10 fictitious and unknown persons and 10 fictitious corporations (hereinafter, “Defendants”). On March 24, 2022, Tr…

This case, filed by President Donald Trump, alleged that Hillary Clinton and top members of her campaign engaged in a coordinated, multi-party scheme to damage Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Trump brought suit against 28 defendants, including Hillary Clinton, a number of top members of the Clinton campaign, the Democratic National Committee, law firm Perkins Coie, as well as 10 fictitious and unknown persons and 10 fictitious corporations (hereinafter, “Defendants”). On March 24, 2022, Trump filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The case was assigned to Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks.

Trump’s complaint alleges that defendants orchestrated a conspiracy to create a false narrative that Trump was colluding with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. The complaint alleges that Defendants hired a firm to create the “Steele Dossier,” which contained false information about Trump-Russia connections. Trump’s complaint, later amended on June 21, 2022, included 16 sixteen counts against Defendants, including RICO violations and conspiracy, injurious falsehood, malicious prosecution, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, theft of trade secrets, and various agency and vicarious liability claims.

On April 4, Trump filed a motion to disqualify Judge Middlebrooks, arguing that Middlebrook’s appointment by President Clinton would result in bias against Trump. Judge Middlebrooks denied the motion on April 6.

On April 20, 2022, Clinton filed a motion to dismiss. Other Defendants then followed suit, collectively alleging that Trump’s complaint was time barred and failed to state any claims. On September 8, Judge Middlebrooks granted Defendants’ motions to dismiss. 626 F. Supp. 3d 1624. Judge Middlebrooks pointed to the structural deficiencies (calling the 193-page amended complaint a “shotgun pleading”), subject matter and personal jurisdiction arguments, and lack of any substantive claims in support of the motion to dismiss.

Judge Middlebrooks, on the allegations lodged by Trump, concludes his order by stating: “[f]undamentally, [Trump] cannot state a RICO claim without two predicate acts, and after two attempts, he has failed to plausibly allege even one. [Trump] cannot state an injurious falsehood claim without allegations of harm to his property interests. And [Trump] cannot state a malicious prosecution claims without a judicial proceeding, but he unsuccessfully attempts to misconstrue, misstate, and misapply the law to do so anyway.”

In response to the grant of the Defendants’ motions to dismiss, Trump appealed the order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on October 11, 2022. (USCA Case Number 22-13410).

Defendants, on October 31, filed joint motions for sanctions. On November 10, Judge Middlebrooks granted a motion for sanctions against Ticktin Law Group, one of the law firms involved in bringing this suit. Judge Middlebrooks ordered that Ticktin Law Group pay around $66,000 in sanctions. Later, on January 19, 2023, Judge Middlebrooks granted the remaining motions for sanctions, finding that Trump and Trump’s lead attorney, Habba Madaio & Associates, were jointly and severally liable for $937,989.39. On February 6, 2023, Ticktin Law, Habba Madaio & Associates, and Trump appealed the grant of sanctions to the Eleventh Circuit. (USCA Case Numbers 22-14099, 23-10387).

On August 14, 2023, Trump filed a motion to disqualify Judge Middlebrooks, pointing to the Judge’s “politically charged language in the Court’s recent opinions.” Judge Middlebrooks dismissed the motion to disqualify on September 15, 2023. Trump appealed the dismissal of the motion to disqualify to the Eleventh Circuit. (USCA Case Number 23-13177).

In the Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit consolidated the appeal of the granted motion to dismiss, sanctions, and dismissal of the motion to disqualify Judge Middlebrooks. Trump, Habba Madaio & Associates, and Ticktin Law filed their initial briefs with the Court on February 27, 2024, following multiple requests for additional time from Trump. Oral argument was held on November 18, 2025 before Chief Judge William Pryor and Judges Andrew L. Brasher and Embry J. Kidd. Following oral argument, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed all five district court orders. 161 F.4th 671. The Eleventh Circuit agreed with the District Court on all fronts, finding that many of Trump’s arguments were indeed frivolous. In addition, the Eleventh Circuit found that the district court properly considered outside conduct to find bad faith to justify the imposition of sanctions.


1 2:22-cv-14102	Complaint for Damages and Demand for Trial by Jury	March 24, 2022	March 24, 2022 Complaint
30 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion to Disqualify Judge	April 6, 2022	April 6, 2022 Order/Opinion 599 F.Supp.3d 1247
267 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction	Sept. 8, 2022	Sept. 8, 2022 Order/Opinion 626 F.Supp.3d 1264
284 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion for Sanctions	Nov. 10, 2022	Nov. 10, 2022 Order/Opinion 640 F.Supp.3d 1321
289 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion to Stay	Nov. 29, 2022	Nov. 29, 2022 Order/Opinion
302 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion for Sanctions	Jan. 19, 2023	Jan. 19, 2023 Order/Opinion 653 F.Supp.3d 1198
335 2:22-cv-14102	Motion to Disqualify Judge	Aug. 14, 2023	Aug. 14, 2023 Pleading / Motion / Brief
342 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion to Disqualify Judge	Sept. 15, 2023	Sept. 15, 2023 Order/Opinion
343 2:22-cv-14102	Order on Motion for Rule 60	Sept. 15, 2023	Sept. 15, 2023 Order/Opinion
175-1 23-13177	Corrected Opinion U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit	Nov. 26, 2025	Nov. 26, 2025 Order/Opinion 161 F.4th 671

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	March 24, 2022	COMPLAINT against All Defendants. Filing fees $ 402.00. IFP Filed, filed by DONALD J TRUMP. No Motion for IFP filed. (Attachments: # 1 Summon(s), # 2 Summon(s), # 3 Summon(s), # 4 Summon(s), # 5 Summon(s), # 6 Summon(s), # 7 Summon(s), # 8 Summon(s), # 9 Summon(s), # 10 Summon(s), # 11 Summon(s), # 12 Summon(s), # 13 Summon(s), # 14 Summon(s), # 15 Summon(s), # 16 Summon(s), # 17 Summon(s), # 18 Summon(s), # 19 Summon(s), # 20 Summon(s), # 21 Summon(s), # 22 Summon(s), # 23 Summon(s), # 24 Summon(s), # 25 Summon(s), # 26 Summon(s), # 27 Summon(s), # 28 Summon(s), # 29 Civil Cover Sheet)(Ticktin, Peter) (Attachment 24 replaced on 3/28/2022) (kpe). Images for docket entries 1 -24, 1 -25, 1 -26, 1 -27 and 1 -28 are removed pursuant to 12 Order. (Entered: 03/24/2022) 1 Summon(s) View on RECAP 2 Summon(s) View on RECAP 3 Summon(s) View on RECAP 4 Summon(s) View on RECAP 5 Summon(s) View on RECAP 6 Summon(s) View on RECAP 7 Summon(s) View on RECAP 8 Summon(s) View on RECAP 9 Summon(s) View on RECAP 10 Summon(s) View on RECAP 11 Summon(s) View on RECAP 12 Summon(s) View on RECAP 13 Summon(s) View on RECAP 14 Summon(s) View on RECAP 15 Summon(s) View on RECAP 16 Summon(s) View on RECAP 17 Summon(s) View on RECAP 18 Summon(s) View on RECAP 19 Summon(s) View on RECAP 20 Summon(s) View on RECAP 21 Summon(s) View on RECAP 22 Summon(s) View on RECAP 23 Summon(s) View on RECAP 24 Summon(s) View on RECAP 25 Summon(s) View on RECAP 26 Summon(s) View on RECAP 27 Summon(s) View on RECAP 28 Summon(s) View on RECAP 29 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
2	March 24, 2022	Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. Pursuant to 28 USC 636(c), the parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Magistrate Judge Shaniek M. Maynard is available to handle any or all proceedings in this case. If agreed, parties should complete and file the Consent form found on our website. It is not necessary to file a document indicating lack of consent. Pro se (NON-PRISONER) litigants may receive Notices of Electronic Filings (NEFS) via email after filing a Consent by Pro Se Litigant (NON-PRISONER) to Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. The consent form is available under the forms section of our website. (ebz) (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
3	March 24, 2022	Clerks Notice to Filer re: Summons(es) cannot be issued. The filing fee has not been paid. (ebz) (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
4	March 24, 2022	Clerks Notice to Filer re: Electronic Case. Filing fees not paid. Filer is instructed to file a Notice of Compliance of Filing Fee, and electronically pay the correct fees of $402.00 within 24 hours of this notice. (jua) (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
5	March 24, 2022	Notice of Compliance of Filing Fee $402.00, receipt number AFLSDC-15504826, Electronic Civil Case Filing re 4 Clerks Notice to Filer re: Electronic Case (Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
6	March 24, 2022	Bar Letter re: Admissions sent to attorney Alina Habba and Michael T. Madaio, mailing date March 24, 2022, (pt) (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
7	March 24, 2022	STRICKEN Summons Issued as to All Defendants. (ail) Modified per DE 12 ORDER on 3/28/2022 (ebz). (kpe). Image for docket entry 7 removed pursuant to 12 Order. (Entered: 03/24/2022)	RECAP
	March 24, 2022	Clerk's Notice of Judge Assignment and Optional Consent
	March 24, 2022	Clerks Notice to Filer - ELECTRONIC CASE, SUMMONS(ES)
	March 24, 2022	Clerks Notice of Docket Correction - ELECTRONIC CASE
	March 24, 2022	Notice of Compliance of Filing Fee-402.00 Electronic Civil Case Filing
8	March 25, 2022	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Michael T. Madaio. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-15508333 by Donald J. Trump. Responses due by 4/8/2022 (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 03/25/2022) 1 Certification View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
9	March 25, 2022	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Alina Habba. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-15508371 by Donald J. Trump. Responses due by 4/8/2022 (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 03/25/2022) 1 Certification View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
10	March 25, 2022	MOTION to redact addresses from DE 1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28, and 7 p.24-28 re 1 Complaint,, 7 Summons Issued by United States Of America. Attorney Anthony Erickson-Pogorzelski added to party United States Of America(pty:dft). (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Erickson-Pogorzelski, Anthony) (Entered: 03/25/2022) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
11	March 25, 2022	ORDER OF RECUSAL. Magistrate Judge Shaniek M. Maynard recused. Case reassigned to Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe for all further proceedings. Signed by Magistrate Judge Shaniek M. Maynard on 3/25/2022. See attached document for full details. (vjk) (Entered: 03/28/2022)	RECAP
14	March 25, 2022	CASE REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe, pursuant to DE 11 (mr1) (Entered: 03/29/2022)	RECAP
12	March 28, 2022	ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO REDACT re 10 Motion. The Clerk of Court is directed to STRIKE and REMOVE docket entries 1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28 and 7 from the record. Plaintiff SHALL FILE redacted copies of docket entries 1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28 and 7 on or before March 29, 2022. Signed by Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks on 3/28/2022. See attached document for full details. (ebz) (Entered: 03/28/2022)	RECAP
13	March 28, 2022	CLERK'S NOTICE of Compliance by removing images from docket entries 1 -24, 1 -25, 1 -26, 1 -27, 1 -28 & 7 pursuant to 12 Order. (kpe) (Entered: 03/28/2022)	RECAP
	March 28, 2022	Notice of Compliance
15	March 29, 2022	PAPERLESS ORDER granting 8 and 9 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Attorneys Michael T. Madaio and Alina Habba. Signed by Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks on 3/29/2022. (kal) (Entered: 03/29/2022)	RECAP
	March 29, 2022	Case Referred to Magistrate Judge
	March 29, 2022	Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice
16	March 30, 2022	NOTICE by United States Of America re 12 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, Joint Filing of Redacted Copies (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit Redacted copy of docket entries 1-24 - 1-28, # 3 Exhibit Redacted copy of docket entry 7) (Erickson-Pogorzelski, Anthony) (Entered: 03/30/2022) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Redacted copy of docket entries 1-24 - 1-28 View on RECAP 3 Exhibit Redacted copy of docket entry 7 View on RECAP	RECAP
17	March 30, 2022	Joint MOTION to redact addresses from companion case by United States Of America. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Erickson-Pogorzelski, Anthony) (Entered: 03/30/2022) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 2 Exhibit View on RECAP 3 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
18	March 30, 2022	PAPERLESS ORDER denying as moot 17 the Parties' Joint Notice of Filing Redacted Copies of Summonses and Motion to Otherwise Redact Addresses from the Court's Public Record. The United States has moved to redact the addresses of five named former FBI employees from the docket in Case No. 22-cv-14101. Docketing staff from the clerk's office has advised my chambers that Case No. 22-cv-14101 was opened in error, and accordingly the addresses for all Defendants have now been removed from that docket. Signed by Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks on 3/30/2022. (kal) (Entered: 03/30/2022)	RECAP
19	March 30, 2022	NOTICE of filing letter by Phillp Roy Mohler. (ebz) (Entered: 04/01/2022)	RECAP
	March 30, 2022	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief
20	April 4, 2022	Letter from Philip Mohler (lbc) (Entered: 04/04/2022)	RECAP
21	April 4, 2022	Plaintiff's MOTION to Disqualify Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks by Donald J. Trump. (Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/04/2022)	RECAP
22	April 4, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Marc Elias served on 4/4/2022, response/answer due 4/25/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Marc Elias)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/04/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Marc Elias View on RECAP	RECAP
30	April 6, 2022	ORDER denying 21 Motion to Disqualify Judge. Signed by Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks on 4/6/2022. See attached document for full details. (gm1) (Entered: 04/06/2022)	Clearinghouse
23	April 6, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Debbie Wasserman Schultz served on 4/4/2022, response/answer due 4/25/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Debbie Wasserman)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Debbie Wasserman View on RECAP	RECAP
24	April 6, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Robert E. Mook served on 4/5/2022, response/answer due 4/26/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Robert E Mook)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Robert E Mook View on RECAP	RECAP
25	April 6, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Igor Danchenko served on 3/30/2022, response/answer due 4/20/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Igor Danchenko)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Igor Danchenko View on RECAP	RECAP
26	April 6, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Democratic National Committee served on 4/5/2022, response/answer due 4/26/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Democratic National Commitee)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Democratic National Commitee View on RECAP	RECAP
27	April 6, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Charles Halliday Dolan Jr. served on 3/30/2022, response/answer due 4/20/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process Charles Halliday Dolan Jr.)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process Charles Halliday Dolan Jr. View on RECAP	RECAP
28	April 6, 2022	STRICKEN SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Andrew McCabe served on 4/5/2022, response/answer due 4/26/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Andrew McCabe)(Ticktin, Peter) Modified on 4/26/2022 (ebz). (Main Document 28 replaced on 4/26/2022) (ebz). (Attachment 1 replaced on 4/26/2022) (ebz). (Entered: 04/06/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process on Andrew McCabe View on RECAP	RECAP
29	April 6, 2022	ORDER OF RECUSAL. Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe recused. Case reassigned to Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart as Paired Magistrate Judge for all further proceedings. Signed by Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe on 4/6/2022. See attached document for full details. (jmd) (Entered: 04/06/2022)	RECAP
31	April 11, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. Peter Fritsch served on 4/6/2022, response/answer due 4/27/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/11/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process View on RECAP	RECAP
32	April 11, 2022	SUMMONS (Affidavit) Returned Executed on 1 Complaint,,, with a 21 day response/answer filing deadline pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 by Donald J. Trump. DNC Services Corporation served on 4/5/2022, response/answer due 4/26/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process)(Ticktin, Peter) (Entered: 04/11/2022) 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service of Process View on RECAP	RECAP

Case: Trump v. Clinton

2:22-cv-14102 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

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