Legal Actions

Learn more about the latest legal actions taken in response to attacks on our communities and our democracy.

American Oversight v. Hegseth

Filed on behalf of
Watchdog Group
In response to the Trump administration's efforts to
Case Number
1:25-cv-00883
View Docket
View Appellate Docket
Filed
March 25, 2025
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Relief Outcomes
Sort Outcomes Asc
Temporary Restraining Order
Denied
1
Preliminary Injunction
Granted
6
Summary
A watchdog group has sued the Trump administration for unlawfully deleting federal records. According to news reports, national security officials used Signal’s disappearing message function to discuss sensitive military planning, including operations involving Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The plaintiff argues that the government officials violated the Federal Records Act.
Plaintiffs
American Oversight
Plaintiffs' Counsel
American Oversight
Defendants
Secretary Peter B. Hegseth Director Tulsi Gabbard Director John Ratcliffe Secretary Scott Bessent Secretary Marco Rubio National Archives and Records Administration

Documents

Opposition to Motion to Dismiss
American Oversight v. Hegseth - Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss
July 31, 2025
Reply in support of Preliminary Injunction
American Oversight v. Hegseth - Reply Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction
May 14, 2025
Motion for Preliminary Injunction
American Oversight v. Hegseth - Motion for Preliminary Injunction
April 22, 2025
Motion for Temporary Restraining Order
American Oversight v. Hegseth - Motion for TRO
March 26, 2025
Operative Complaint
Complaint