Trump Administration Official Files Complaint Against Judge in Transgender Military Ban Case
Chad Mizelle, a top official in the Trump administration, has filed a judicial complaint against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who is presiding over a case challenging President Trump's executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. The complaint, submitted to the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, accuses Reyes of "hostile and egregious misconduct" during hearings on the constitutionality of the order.
The complaint centers on two specific incidents during the proceedings:
Reyes referenced an email she received suggesting she develop a relationship with Jesus, then questioned the government's lawyer about whether Jesus would approve of denying homeless shelter access to a group of people.
Reyes stated she had changed her standing order to ban UVA Law School graduates from appearing before her, likening it to the discrimination at the heart of the executive order.
Mizelle claims these actions compromised the dignity of the proceedings and demonstrated potential bias, raising concerns about Reyes' ability to preside impartially. The complaint calls for an investigation and "appropriate measures" to ensure future proceedings maintain the "dignity and impartiality that the public deserves".
Critics argue that the complaint is an attempt to undermine Judge Reyes' credibility and influence the D.C. Circuit. Reyes, a Biden appointee, has been critical of the Trump administration's actions regarding transgender rights, describing the executive order as having "unadulterated animus" toward transgender individuals.
This complaint is part of a broader pattern of criticism from the Trump administration and its supporters against judges they believe are obstructing the president's policies2. The move has raised concerns about potential threats to judicial independence, with many legal experts calling for the chief judge to quickly dismiss the complaint.
