This ARCHIVED page celebrates significant actions of courageous Resisters who refused to be intimidated by authoritarians and their henchmen by “obeying in advance.”
ARCHIVE
Qtr 1 - Jan 20 - Mar 31, 2025
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(Most Recent Action at the Top)
Dr. Peter Marks
Senior U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia
Resister
Peter Marks, FDA’s top vaccine regulator, resigned Friday citing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to spread vaccine misinformation.
Marks, a prominent figure in Operation Warp Speed, relinquished the position of director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which oversees vaccine safety and effectiveness, due to the looming threat of termination.
He said he was willing to address the Secretary’s concerns but that truth and transparency weren’t desired, only confirmation of misinformation.
Marks cited the severe Texas measles outbreak as a reminder of the consequences of undermining public health science. He emphasized that vaccines don’t cause autism, encephalitis, or death.
Marks disagreed with the new administration’s direction and called undermining well-established vaccines irresponsible, detrimental, and dangerous to the nation’s health, safety, and security.
Marks, a prominent figure in Operation Warp Speed, relinquished the position of director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which oversees vaccine safety and effectiveness, due to the looming threat of termination.
He said he was willing to address the Secretary’s concerns but that truth and transparency weren’t desired, only confirmation of misinformation.
Marks cited the severe Texas measles outbreak as a reminder of the consequences of undermining public health science. He emphasized that vaccines don’t cause autism, encephalitis, or death.
Marks disagreed with the new administration’s direction and called undermining well-established vaccines irresponsible, detrimental, and dangerous to the nation’s health, safety, and security.
John Bates
Senior U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia
Resister
Judges blocked much of President Trump’s retaliation campaign on Friday by issuing temporary restraining orders against executive orders targeting Jenner & Block and WilmerHale.
The rulings barred the administration from carrying out punishments like banning lawyers from government buildings or jobs.
Trump targeted Jenner & Block because a former lawyer worked on his first-term special counsel team. Judge John Bates found the order disturbing and troubling because it also punished the firm for its pro bono work.
Another judge, Richard Leon, issued a similar order against a Trump executive order targeting WilmerHale, where Robert S. Mueller III worked.
The judges let stand the parts of the orders stripping security clearances from lawyers at the firms.
Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and a third firm, Perkins Coie, have won initial victories in court.
The rulings barred the administration from carrying out punishments like banning lawyers from government buildings or jobs.
Trump targeted Jenner & Block because a former lawyer worked on his first-term special counsel team. Judge John Bates found the order disturbing and troubling because it also punished the firm for its pro bono work.
Another judge, Richard Leon, issued a similar order against a Trump executive order targeting WilmerHale, where Robert S. Mueller III worked.
The judges let stand the parts of the orders stripping security clearances from lawyers at the firms.
Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and a third firm, Perkins Coie, have won initial victories in court.
Royce Lambert
District Judge of the U.S District Court for the District of Columbia
Resister
A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily halted President Trump’s attempt to shut down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a federally funded news organization established during the Cold War to counter Soviet propaganda.
The judge, Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, issued a temporary restraining order, asserting that the Trump administration cannot unilaterally close RFE/RL, even if the president has issued such an order.
Judge Lamberth argued that the administration cannot override Congress, which granted RFE/RL a statutory mandate to promote freedom of opinion and expression. The judge criticized the Trump administration’s March 15 letter to RFE/RL, which stated that the broadcaster was no longer necessary due to a shift in government priorities. The letter lacked substantiation, except for citing Mr. Trump’s directives to shut down federal agencies.
The temporary restraining order will permit RFE/RL to remain operational at least until March 28. After that date, Judge Lamberth will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would allow the news outlet to continue operating until the court reaches a final verdict.
Founded in the 1950s, RFE/RL was initially a covert U.S. intelligence operation funded through the Central Intelligence Agency. Its mission was to foster anti-communist dissent behind the Iron Curtain.
The judge, Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, issued a temporary restraining order, asserting that the Trump administration cannot unilaterally close RFE/RL, even if the president has issued such an order.
Judge Lamberth argued that the administration cannot override Congress, which granted RFE/RL a statutory mandate to promote freedom of opinion and expression. The judge criticized the Trump administration’s March 15 letter to RFE/RL, which stated that the broadcaster was no longer necessary due to a shift in government priorities. The letter lacked substantiation, except for citing Mr. Trump’s directives to shut down federal agencies.
The temporary restraining order will permit RFE/RL to remain operational at least until March 28. After that date, Judge Lamberth will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would allow the news outlet to continue operating until the court reaches a final verdict.
Founded in the 1950s, RFE/RL was initially a covert U.S. intelligence operation funded through the Central Intelligence Agency. Its mission was to foster anti-communist dissent behind the Iron Curtain.
William Alsup
District Judge of the U.S District Court for the Northern District of California
Resister
U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that federal agencies must immediately reinstate thousands of probationary workers who were purged from the government during the early weeks of Trump’s administration. Alsup found that the mass firings from the Defense, Treasury, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs departments violated the law.
Despite Alsup’s order for the acting head of the Office of Personnel Management to appear in court today, the government declined to provide witnesses. Alsup expressed suspicion that the Justice Department was concealing the details of the firings and the identities of those responsible. He warned that the department would not be allowed to bring in witnesses for cross-examination, fearing that it would reveal the truth. Alsup expressed frustration with the department’s obstruction of the truth-seeking process.
Alsup characterized the mass firings as a “sham” strategy employed by Trump’s Office of Personnel Management to circumvent legal requirements for reducing the federal workforce.
Despite Alsup’s order for the acting head of the Office of Personnel Management to appear in court today, the government declined to provide witnesses. Alsup expressed suspicion that the Justice Department was concealing the details of the firings and the identities of those responsible. He warned that the department would not be allowed to bring in witnesses for cross-examination, fearing that it would reveal the truth. Alsup expressed frustration with the department’s obstruction of the truth-seeking process.
Alsup characterized the mass firings as a “sham” strategy employed by Trump’s Office of Personnel Management to circumvent legal requirements for reducing the federal workforce.
John Larson
U.S. Congressman from Connecticut
Resister
Democratic Representative John Larson erupted during a Department of Government Efficiency House Oversight Committee hearing Wednesday, verbalizing the immense frustration felt by much of the country.
“Where’s the independence of the committee?” Larson yelled at House Republicans. “Where’s the legislature? We’re an equal branch of government.”
Musk did not attend the meeting, which infuriated Larson.
“Where’s Elon Musk?” he asked, pointing to Musk’s empty seat. “I’m sure he’s a genius and is a very credible person because of the wealth he’s accumulated. But that does not put him above the law, or the responsibility to come before this committee and this Congress.”
“If [Musk is] so great, if these plans and all the fraud and abuse that he’s found are so eminent, why isn’t he here explaining it?” Larson demanded of Republicans. “You know why. Because he wants to privatize Social Security.”
“Where’s the independence of the committee?” Larson yelled at House Republicans. “Where’s the legislature? We’re an equal branch of government.”
Musk did not attend the meeting, which infuriated Larson.
“Where’s Elon Musk?” he asked, pointing to Musk’s empty seat. “I’m sure he’s a genius and is a very credible person because of the wealth he’s accumulated. But that does not put him above the law, or the responsibility to come before this committee and this Congress.”
“If [Musk is] so great, if these plans and all the fraud and abuse that he’s found are so eminent, why isn’t he here explaining it?” Larson demanded of Republicans. “You know why. Because he wants to privatize Social Security.”
Tanya Chutkan
District Judge for the U.S. District Court of the District Of Columbia
Resister
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered the federal government to disclose records and summon witnesses to testify about the operations of DOGE. This comes after the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order was denied. However, Judge Chutkan has granted expedited discovery regarding the operations and decision-making processes at DOGE. The order is detailed in the case of New Mexico v. Musk.
Musk and DOGE have three weeks to comply with the order. Since the order pertains to discovery, it’s unlikely that Musk will appeal it. Nevertheless, the question of whether Musk will comply with the order remains unanswered.
Musk and DOGE have three weeks to comply with the order. Since the order pertains to discovery, it’s unlikely that Musk will appeal it. Nevertheless, the question of whether Musk will comply with the order remains unanswered.
Perkins Coie
International Law Firm
Resister
Perkins Coie, a prominent law firm with close ties to the Democratic Party, filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Washington last week to challenge President Trump’s executive order. The order instructs various agencies to revoke Perkins Coie’s security clearances, restrict access to federal buildings, and terminate government contracts with companies it represents.
Perkins Coie argues that the firm cannot allow its clients to be subjected to bullying and asserts its unwavering commitment to defending the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation or ideology. The firm is represented by the esteemed litigation powerhouse, Williams & Connolly.
In contrast to the approach of other elite law firms, which have sought to avoid antagonizing Trump and his allies, Perkins Coie has taken a resolute stance. The lawsuit stands in stark contrast to the administration’s attempts to navigate the legal challenges it has faced, which number over 100.
Trump has expressed frustration with the legal battles, accusing law firms of “weaponizing” the justice system and claiming that litigation hinders the efficiency of the federal government. He has even suggested that other law firms may be targeted in the future.
The White House has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter.
The executive order against Perkins Coie cites the firm’s work for Hillary Clinton during her unsuccessful presidential campaign, including its collaboration with an opposition research firm that compiled a discredited dossier against Trump. Additionally, the president criticized the firm for its association with liberal donor George Soros and its internal diversity initiatives.
Perkins Coie is seeking a restraining order against the administration and asserts that the Trump directive also poses a threat to government contracts that its clients may hold.
Perkins Coie argues that the firm cannot allow its clients to be subjected to bullying and asserts its unwavering commitment to defending the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation or ideology. The firm is represented by the esteemed litigation powerhouse, Williams & Connolly.
In contrast to the approach of other elite law firms, which have sought to avoid antagonizing Trump and his allies, Perkins Coie has taken a resolute stance. The lawsuit stands in stark contrast to the administration’s attempts to navigate the legal challenges it has faced, which number over 100.
Trump has expressed frustration with the legal battles, accusing law firms of “weaponizing” the justice system and claiming that litigation hinders the efficiency of the federal government. He has even suggested that other law firms may be targeted in the future.
The White House has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter.
The executive order against Perkins Coie cites the firm’s work for Hillary Clinton during her unsuccessful presidential campaign, including its collaboration with an opposition research firm that compiled a discredited dossier against Trump. Additionally, the president criticized the firm for its association with liberal donor George Soros and its internal diversity initiatives.
Perkins Coie is seeking a restraining order against the administration and asserts that the Trump directive also poses a threat to government contracts that its clients may hold.
Ruth Marcus
Columnist and Editor for The Washington Post’s opinion section
Resister
Ruth Marcus, a prominent columnist and editor for The Washington Post’s opinion section, announced her resignation on Monday. The reason behind her departure was Will Lewis, the paper’s publisher, killing a column she had written that was critical of the editorial pages’ new direction.
In an email to her colleagues at The Post, Ms. Marcus expressed her immense sadness over the decision to resign. She explained that she had arrived at this choice after over 40 years of service at the newspaper, following Mr. Lewis’s decision to suppress a column she had written expressing concerns about the newly announced direction for the section. Mr. Lewis had declined to discuss this decision with Ms. Marcus.
In her email to her colleagues, Ms. Marcus included a message she had sent to Mr. Bezos and Mr. Lewis. In this email, she expressed her concerns about the shift in the opinion section, stating that it threatens to erode the trust readers have in columnists writing what they believe, rather than what the owner has deemed acceptable.
Ms. Marcus emphasized that Mr. Lewis’s decision to suppress her column, which was written respectfully dissenting from Mr. Bezos’s edict, was a significant blow to the traditional freedom of columnists to select their topics and express their opinions. She highlighted that this decision underscores the dangerous erosion of this freedom, which she had not experienced in nearly two decades of column-writing.
In an email to her colleagues at The Post, Ms. Marcus expressed her immense sadness over the decision to resign. She explained that she had arrived at this choice after over 40 years of service at the newspaper, following Mr. Lewis’s decision to suppress a column she had written expressing concerns about the newly announced direction for the section. Mr. Lewis had declined to discuss this decision with Ms. Marcus.
In her email to her colleagues, Ms. Marcus included a message she had sent to Mr. Bezos and Mr. Lewis. In this email, she expressed her concerns about the shift in the opinion section, stating that it threatens to erode the trust readers have in columnists writing what they believe, rather than what the owner has deemed acceptable.
Ms. Marcus emphasized that Mr. Lewis’s decision to suppress her column, which was written respectfully dissenting from Mr. Bezos’s edict, was a significant blow to the traditional freedom of columnists to select their topics and express their opinions. She highlighted that this decision underscores the dangerous erosion of this freedom, which she had not experienced in nearly two decades of column-writing.
CBS News
Major TV New Network
Resister
CBS is seeking to dismiss Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against them for a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris last year. Trump alleged that the television newsmagazine interfered with the election by editing and broadcasting the interview, claiming it constituted “voter interference.” However, CBS has filed two filings in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, arguing that the lawsuit lacks the proper venue and personal and subject-matter jurisdiction. One filing asserts that the lawsuit is an affront to the First Amendment and lacks any legal or factual basis. It further states that Trump and Representative Ronny Jackson, public officials at the highest levels of government, are attempting to punish a news organization for constitutionally protected editorial judgments they disagree with. The filing continues, stating that Trump and Jackson not only seek $20 billion in damages but also want an order directing how a news organization can exercise its editorial judgment in the future. CBS emphasizes that the First Amendment firmly opposes these demands.
Justice John Roberts
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice
Resister
Justice Amy Comey Barrett
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice
Resister
The US Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ordered the Trump administration to comply with a lower court order to disburse $2 billion in USAID grants. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the three liberal justices to form the majority.
This narrow victory was significant because an opposing outcome would have weakened Congress’s authority over the “power of the purse” and granted Trump powers not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.
While it’s important to celebrate the “center holding,” it’s equally noteworthy that the Supreme Court reached the right conclusion by the narrowest margin possible.
This narrow victory was significant because an opposing outcome would have weakened Congress’s authority over the “power of the purse” and granted Trump powers not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.
While it’s important to celebrate the “center holding,” it’s equally noteworthy that the Supreme Court reached the right conclusion by the narrowest margin possible.
Judge John Bates
Senior U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia
Resister
Judge John Bates ruled last week that a member of DOGE must testify in a case challenging the group’s access at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services. A federal judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Bates said the deposition would be “necessary to determine the contours of the agency actions that plaintiffs challenge.” Musk has repeatedly called for Bates to be impeached, describing him as an “evil judge.” Andy Ogles, a House Republican from Tennessee, heeded Musk’s request, introducing articles of impeachment last month against Bates, whom he described as a “radical LGBTQ activist.”
Judge Beryl Howell
U.S. District Judge
Resister
A federal judge on Thursday ruled in favor of Gwynne Wilcox, a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), who was unlawfully removed from her position. The judge suggested that President Trump’s actions were an attempt to test the limits of his power.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell indefinitely reinstated Wilcox to her seat, declaring the firing null and void. In her 36-page opinion, Howell criticized the President’s actions, stating that he seemed intent on pushing the boundaries of his office and exercising his power in a manner that violated clear statutory law.
She warned that the courts were now faced with a slippery slope toward endorsing a presidency that was untouchable by the law. Howell emphasized that the President had provided no sufficient reason to accept this path.
Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board, was confirmed in 2023 to a five-year term. Her removal left the NLRB with only two members, preventing it from conducting its usual business.
Deepak Gupta, Wilcox’s lawyer, argued during a hearing on Wednesday that removing the board member effectively neutered the agency by blocking it from completing its congressionally mandated tasks.
“The president has given himself the power … to disable this agency from performing its function,” Gupta said.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell indefinitely reinstated Wilcox to her seat, declaring the firing null and void. In her 36-page opinion, Howell criticized the President’s actions, stating that he seemed intent on pushing the boundaries of his office and exercising his power in a manner that violated clear statutory law.
She warned that the courts were now faced with a slippery slope toward endorsing a presidency that was untouchable by the law. Howell emphasized that the President had provided no sufficient reason to accept this path.
Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board, was confirmed in 2023 to a five-year term. Her removal left the NLRB with only two members, preventing it from conducting its usual business.
Deepak Gupta, Wilcox’s lawyer, argued during a hearing on Wednesday that removing the board member effectively neutered the agency by blocking it from completing its congressionally mandated tasks.
“The president has given himself the power … to disable this agency from performing its function,” Gupta said.
Amy Berman Jackson
District Judge of the US District Court for the District of Columbia
Resister
A federal judge in Washington on Saturday blocked President Trump from ousting the leader of a federal watchdog agency, saying that the effort to remove the official without due cause had violated the law.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted a permanent injunction against the government, allowing Hampton Dellinger to remain the head of the Office of Special Counsel, which protects federal whistle-blowers. The order required the Trump administration to recognize Mr. Dellinger’s authority in that position, barring it from taking any action to “treat him in any way as if he has been removed” or otherwise interfere with his work.
In a 67-page opinion explaining the order, Judge Jackson, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, stressed the unique responsibilities Congress gave the office when it was created under a 1978 law. She noted its central role in protecting whistle-blowers in the federal government, a role that she said would be compromised if Mr. Dellinger were allowed to be removed without a cause stipulated under the law.
“It is his independence that qualifies him to watch over the time-tested structure that is supposed to bar executive officials from taking federal jobs from qualified individuals and handing them out to political allies — a system that Congress found intolerable over a century ago,” she wrote. “The position would be entirely ineffective if the special counsel were to be compelled to operate with the sword of at-will removal hanging over his head.”
Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted a permanent injunction against the government, allowing Hampton Dellinger to remain the head of the Office of Special Counsel, which protects federal whistle-blowers. The order required the Trump administration to recognize Mr. Dellinger’s authority in that position, barring it from taking any action to “treat him in any way as if he has been removed” or otherwise interfere with his work.
In a 67-page opinion explaining the order, Judge Jackson, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, stressed the unique responsibilities Congress gave the office when it was created under a 1978 law. She noted its central role in protecting whistle-blowers in the federal government, a role that she said would be compromised if Mr. Dellinger were allowed to be removed without a cause stipulated under the law.
“It is his independence that qualifies him to watch over the time-tested structure that is supposed to bar executive officials from taking federal jobs from qualified individuals and handing them out to political allies — a system that Congress found intolerable over a century ago,” she wrote. “The position would be entirely ineffective if the special counsel were to be compelled to operate with the sword of at-will removal hanging over his head.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine
Resister
European leaders have rallied behind Volodymyr Zelensky following Donald Trump’s heated exchange with the Ukrainian president in the White House.
Among those who expressed their support on social media were the leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands. Zelensky personally responded to each message, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering backing.
In response to the extraordinary events in the Oval Office on Friday, where Trump clashed with Zelensky, stating that Ukraine must make a deal with Russia or face consequences, Zelensky has arrived in London to attend a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Downing Street affirmed that Starmer “retains unwavering support for Ukraine.”
This comes after Trump’s remarks, where he criticized Zelensky for not expressing sufficient gratitude for the US military and political support during Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion, even suggesting that Zelensky was risking escalating the conflict into World War Three.
In response to the outburst, a flurry of supportive messages for Ukraine were posted by European leaders, along with messages from the prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Zelensky’s heartfelt responses, simply saying “Thank you for your support,” further underscored the significance of their unwavering support.
Among those who expressed their support on social media were the leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands. Zelensky personally responded to each message, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering backing.
In response to the extraordinary events in the Oval Office on Friday, where Trump clashed with Zelensky, stating that Ukraine must make a deal with Russia or face consequences, Zelensky has arrived in London to attend a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Downing Street affirmed that Starmer “retains unwavering support for Ukraine.”
This comes after Trump’s remarks, where he criticized Zelensky for not expressing sufficient gratitude for the US military and political support during Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion, even suggesting that Zelensky was risking escalating the conflict into World War Three.
In response to the outburst, a flurry of supportive messages for Ukraine were posted by European leaders, along with messages from the prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Zelensky’s heartfelt responses, simply saying “Thank you for your support,” further underscored the significance of their unwavering support.
Janet Mills
Governor of Maine
Resister
After Janet Mills, the Democratic governor of Maine, challenged President Trump during a White House meeting, she became both a folk hero to her party and a political target whose state now faces a federal investigation by the Department of Education.
Ms. Mills, 77, told Mr. Trump on Friday that she would not accedeto his executive order banning transgender athletes in women’s sports. “See you in court,” she said, while seated with a group of bipartisan governors in the White House State Dining Room. The U.S. Department of Education promptly informed Maine officials that the state’s education department was under a “directed investigation.”
The Trump administration “will do everything in its power to ensure taxpayers are not funding blatant civil rights violators,” said Craig Trainor, the acting head of the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights division. He said that Maine would lose federal funds if it did not comply. Ms. Mills did not stand down.
“Do not be misled: This is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a president can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law,” the governor said in a statement on the escalating conflict. “I believe he cannot.”
The fight has thrust Ms. Mills, a fixture in Maine politics, onto the national stage. And it was her opposition to the first Trump administration’s hard-line immigration and anti-abortion policies that helped her become the state’s first female governor.
Ms. Mills, 77, told Mr. Trump on Friday that she would not accedeto his executive order banning transgender athletes in women’s sports. “See you in court,” she said, while seated with a group of bipartisan governors in the White House State Dining Room. The U.S. Department of Education promptly informed Maine officials that the state’s education department was under a “directed investigation.”
The Trump administration “will do everything in its power to ensure taxpayers are not funding blatant civil rights violators,” said Craig Trainor, the acting head of the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights division. He said that Maine would lose federal funds if it did not comply. Ms. Mills did not stand down.
“Do not be misled: This is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a president can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law,” the governor said in a statement on the escalating conflict. “I believe he cannot.”
The fight has thrust Ms. Mills, a fixture in Maine politics, onto the national stage. And it was her opposition to the first Trump administration’s hard-line immigration and anti-abortion policies that helped her become the state’s first female governor.
Jeannette Vargas
U.S. District Judge for the Second District of New York
Resister
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that members of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, cannot be given access to sensitive payment systems at the Treasury. She said she would continue the restrictions of a temporary restraining order already in place.
The order, the judge wrote, “bars the Treasury Department from granting access to any member of the DOGE team within the Treasury Department to any payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees.”
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by 19 state attorneys general, led by Letitia James of New York, who sued to block the Trump administration’s policy of allowing political appointees and “special government employees” who work with Mr. Musk to access the systems. The systems contain some of the country’s most sensitive information, including Americans’ bank account and Social Security data.
“Musk and DOGE are trying to wipe out vital programs and services — from health care to public safety to education — that our communities need,” Ms. James said in a statement Friday night. “I led a coalition of attorneys general to put a stop to this lawlessness, and a federal court has yet again blocked their access to our confidential information.”
The order, the judge wrote, “bars the Treasury Department from granting access to any member of the DOGE team within the Treasury Department to any payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees.”
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by 19 state attorneys general, led by Letitia James of New York, who sued to block the Trump administration’s policy of allowing political appointees and “special government employees” who work with Mr. Musk to access the systems. The systems contain some of the country’s most sensitive information, including Americans’ bank account and Social Security data.
“Musk and DOGE are trying to wipe out vital programs and services — from health care to public safety to education — that our communities need,” Ms. James said in a statement Friday night. “I led a coalition of attorneys general to put a stop to this lawlessness, and a federal court has yet again blocked their access to our confidential information.”
Brian Driscoll
Acting Director of the FBI
Resister
Brian Driscoll, acting FBI Director, refused a Justice Department order that he assist in firing FBI employees involved in investigating the people responsible for violence in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
When Driscoll notified his staff about the Justice Department’s order, he wrote, “I am one of those employees.” Driscoll took part in the arrest of Samuel Fisher, an adherent of the QAnon conspiracy theory, in Manhattan two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.
FBI agents found in Fisher’s Upper East Side apartment and car over a thousand rounds of ammunition and several weapons, including an illegally modified AR-15 rifle and machetes. In 2022, Fisher was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge in Manhattan Supreme Court. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally entering the Capitol on January 6.
Trump pardoned Fisher on January 20.
In a defiant email, James Dennehy, the top FBI agent in the New York field office, warned his staff that the FBI was “in the middle of a battle of our own.” Praising Driscoll and Driscoll’s deputy, Robert C. Kissane, as “warriors,” Dennehy said they were “fighting for this organization.”
When Driscoll notified his staff about the Justice Department’s order, he wrote, “I am one of those employees.” Driscoll took part in the arrest of Samuel Fisher, an adherent of the QAnon conspiracy theory, in Manhattan two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.
FBI agents found in Fisher’s Upper East Side apartment and car over a thousand rounds of ammunition and several weapons, including an illegally modified AR-15 rifle and machetes. In 2022, Fisher was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge in Manhattan Supreme Court. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally entering the Capitol on January 6.
Trump pardoned Fisher on January 20.
In a defiant email, James Dennehy, the top FBI agent in the New York field office, warned his staff that the FBI was “in the middle of a battle of our own.” Praising Driscoll and Driscoll’s deputy, Robert C. Kissane, as “warriors,” Dennehy said they were “fighting for this organization.”
John Keller and 4 other Senior Officials at the Department of Justice
Acting Head to the Public Integrity Section
Resister
The Justice Department ordered the dismissal of charges against Adams to help with President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Within a day Danielle Sassoon had been joined in resignation by five senior officials at the Justice Department’s headquarters in Washington, including the acting chief of the criminal division, the acting chief of the public integrity section, which handles bribery and other misconduct charges against public officials, and three other senior lawyers in the public integrity section.
John Keller, acting head of Public Integrity Section, informed the DOJ of his resignation following the controversy related to Adams’s deflated case. When the Southern District of New York refused to drop the case, it was reassigned to the DOJ Public Integrity Section. Keller chose to resign after learning of the news.
Kevin Driscoll, acting head of Criminal Division, was also among the brigade of top officials who resigned in the fallout. His division is charged with overseeing criminal investigations while aiding federal prosecutors, law enforcement and investigative agencies. Driscoll formerly served as the DOJ deputy assistant attorney general.
He held the same title for the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.
Hagan Scotten, the lead prosecutor in the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, resigned after Justice Department officials ordered the dismissal of charges he helped bring. Scotten, a Bronze Star recipient and Kavanaugh-Roberts clerk, is particularly pungent in his scathing resignation letter, arguing that federal prosecutors can't influence citizens, especially elected officials and furthermore: “I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”
Within a day Danielle Sassoon had been joined in resignation by five senior officials at the Justice Department’s headquarters in Washington, including the acting chief of the criminal division, the acting chief of the public integrity section, which handles bribery and other misconduct charges against public officials, and three other senior lawyers in the public integrity section.
John Keller, acting head of Public Integrity Section, informed the DOJ of his resignation following the controversy related to Adams’s deflated case. When the Southern District of New York refused to drop the case, it was reassigned to the DOJ Public Integrity Section. Keller chose to resign after learning of the news.
Kevin Driscoll, acting head of Criminal Division, was also among the brigade of top officials who resigned in the fallout. His division is charged with overseeing criminal investigations while aiding federal prosecutors, law enforcement and investigative agencies. Driscoll formerly served as the DOJ deputy assistant attorney general.
He held the same title for the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.
Hagan Scotten, the lead prosecutor in the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, resigned after Justice Department officials ordered the dismissal of charges he helped bring. Scotten, a Bronze Star recipient and Kavanaugh-Roberts clerk, is particularly pungent in his scathing resignation letter, arguing that federal prosecutors can't influence citizens, especially elected officials and furthermore: “I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”
Danielle R. Sassoon
interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York
Resister
Danielle R. Sassoon, a highly accomplished conservative prosecutor, resigned from her position as interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Her departure was prompted by the Trump administration’s request to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a case Sassoon had previously supported. Sassoon’s decision underscores her commitment to prosecutorial independence and her refusal to compromise her principles.
Danielle R. Sassoon, Manhattan’s interim U.S. attorney, built a life on conservative values and amassed a daunting resume. She took a stand against the Justice Department where she had made her career.
Ms. Sassoon, in a remarkable letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, said that Mr. Bove’s order to dismiss the case was “inconsistent with my ability and duty to prosecute federal crimes without fear or favor and to advance good-faith arguments before the courts.”
“I have always considered it my obligation to pursue justice impartially, without favor to the wealthy or those who occupy important public office, or harsher treatment for the less powerful,” she said. “I therefore deem it necessary to the faithful discharge of my duties to raise the concerns expressed in this letter with you and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss them further.”
Ms. Sassoon, 38, made a startling accusation in her letter. She wrote that the mayor’s lawyers had “repeatedly urged what she said amounted to a quid pro quo, indicating that Adams would be in a position to assist with the Department’s enforcement priorities only if the indictment were dismissed.”
She said that Mr. Bove had scolded a member of her team for taking notes during the meeting and ordered that the notes be collected at the meeting’s end.
Ms. Sassoon also wrote that her office had proposed a superseding indictment against the mayor that would have added a charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charge, she wrote, would have been “based on evidence that Adams destroyed and instructed others to destroy evidence and provide false information to the F.B.I.” It would also have included additional accusations about his “participation in a straw donor scheme.”
Danielle R. Sassoon, Manhattan’s interim U.S. attorney, built a life on conservative values and amassed a daunting resume. She took a stand against the Justice Department where she had made her career.
Ms. Sassoon, in a remarkable letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, said that Mr. Bove’s order to dismiss the case was “inconsistent with my ability and duty to prosecute federal crimes without fear or favor and to advance good-faith arguments before the courts.”
“I have always considered it my obligation to pursue justice impartially, without favor to the wealthy or those who occupy important public office, or harsher treatment for the less powerful,” she said. “I therefore deem it necessary to the faithful discharge of my duties to raise the concerns expressed in this letter with you and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss them further.”
Ms. Sassoon, 38, made a startling accusation in her letter. She wrote that the mayor’s lawyers had “repeatedly urged what she said amounted to a quid pro quo, indicating that Adams would be in a position to assist with the Department’s enforcement priorities only if the indictment were dismissed.”
She said that Mr. Bove had scolded a member of her team for taking notes during the meeting and ordered that the notes be collected at the meeting’s end.
Ms. Sassoon also wrote that her office had proposed a superseding indictment against the mayor that would have added a charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charge, she wrote, would have been “based on evidence that Adams destroyed and instructed others to destroy evidence and provide false information to the F.B.I.” It would also have included additional accusations about his “participation in a straw donor scheme.”
American Bar Association
Voluntary bar association of lawyers and law students in the United States
Resister
Public Statement by the American Bar Association:
"Moreover, refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress under the euphemism of a pause is a violation of the rule of law and suggests that the executive branch can overrule the other two co-equal branches of government. This is contrary to the constitutional framework and not the way our democracy works.
"The money appropriated by Congress must be spent in accordance with what Congress has said. It cannot be changed or paused because a newly elected administration desires it. Our elected representatives know this. The lawyers of this country know this. It must stop.
"We urge every attorney to join us and insist that our government, a government of the people, follow the law. It is part of the oath we took when we became lawyers. Whatever your political party or your views, change must be made in the right way. Americans expect no less."
"Moreover, refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress under the euphemism of a pause is a violation of the rule of law and suggests that the executive branch can overrule the other two co-equal branches of government. This is contrary to the constitutional framework and not the way our democracy works.
"The money appropriated by Congress must be spent in accordance with what Congress has said. It cannot be changed or paused because a newly elected administration desires it. Our elected representatives know this. The lawyers of this country know this. It must stop.
"We urge every attorney to join us and insist that our government, a government of the people, follow the law. It is part of the oath we took when we became lawyers. Whatever your political party or your views, change must be made in the right way. Americans expect no less."
Judge Paul Engelmayer
U.S. District Judge of the 2nd District of New York
Resister
A federal judge temporarily restricted access by Elon Musk’s government efficiency program to the Treasury Department’s payment and data systems, saying there was a risk of “irreparable harm.”
The Trump administration’s new policy of allowing political appointees and “special government employees” access to these systems, which contain highly sensitive information such as bank details, heightens the risk of leaks and of the systems becoming more vulnerable than before to hacking, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer said in an emergency order.
Judge Engelmayer ordered any such official who was granted access to the systems since Jan. 20 to “destroy any and all copies of material downloaded from the Treasury Department’s records and systems.” He also restricted the government from granting access to these categories of officials.
The Trump administration’s new policy of allowing political appointees and “special government employees” access to these systems, which contain highly sensitive information such as bank details, heightens the risk of leaks and of the systems becoming more vulnerable than before to hacking, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer said in an emergency order.
Judge Engelmayer ordered any such official who was granted access to the systems since Jan. 20 to “destroy any and all copies of material downloaded from the Treasury Department’s records and systems.” He also restricted the government from granting access to these categories of officials.
Judge Deborah Boardman
United States District Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
Resister
A federal judge in Maryland has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman heard arguments recently over a request by five pregnant undocumented women to block Trump's Day-1 executive order seeking to redefine the meaning of the 14th Amendment to exclude the children of undocumented immigrants from birthright citizenship.
"The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm," Judge Boardman said in handing down her order. "It has been said the right to U.S. citizenship is a right no less precious than life or liberty. If the court does not enjoin enforcement of the executive order, children subject to the order will be denied the rights and benefits of U.S. citizenship and their parents will face instability.
"A nationwide injunction is appropriate and necessary because it concerns citizenship," Judge Boardman said.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman heard arguments recently over a request by five pregnant undocumented women to block Trump's Day-1 executive order seeking to redefine the meaning of the 14th Amendment to exclude the children of undocumented immigrants from birthright citizenship.
"The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm," Judge Boardman said in handing down her order. "It has been said the right to U.S. citizenship is a right no less precious than life or liberty. If the court does not enjoin enforcement of the executive order, children subject to the order will be denied the rights and benefits of U.S. citizenship and their parents will face instability.
"A nationwide injunction is appropriate and necessary because it concerns citizenship," Judge Boardman said.
Judge John J. McConnell
Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Resister
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to continue funding 22 Democratic-leaning states for all congressionally approved programs, including those that may conflict with President Trump’s ideology.
Signed by Judge John J. McConnell Jr., the temporary order is a victory for Democratic attorneys general and the District of Columbia, who sued the administration in Rhode Island. It applies only to the states that filed the lawsuit.
The order requires the administration not to freeze or terminate taxpayer money allocated by Congress.
The Trump administration has contradicted itself about the freeze, rescinding the memo but continuing to review the ideological tilt of funded programs.
Judge McConnell’s order denied the White House’s claim that the freeze was rescinded, calling out the press secretary’s statement and requiring the administration not to reintroduce the freeze.
Signed by Judge John J. McConnell Jr., the temporary order is a victory for Democratic attorneys general and the District of Columbia, who sued the administration in Rhode Island. It applies only to the states that filed the lawsuit.
The order requires the administration not to freeze or terminate taxpayer money allocated by Congress.
The Trump administration has contradicted itself about the freeze, rescinding the memo but continuing to review the ideological tilt of funded programs.
Judge McConnell’s order denied the White House’s claim that the freeze was rescinded, calling out the press secretary’s statement and requiring the administration not to reintroduce the freeze.
David Lehryk
Treasury Department Civil Servant
Resister
The Trump administration dismissed David Lebryk, a seasoned civil servant who oversaw over a billion annual federal payments, after he refused to grant Elon Musk’s team access to the government’s payment system. This move is part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s strategy to restrict federal funding.
Lebryk, who briefly served as acting Treasury secretary, informed colleagues of his retirement after over 35 years of government service. His sudden departure raises questions about Musk’s control of the payment system and his intentions. It also highlights the power Musk, whose employment status within the federal government remains uncertain, is accumulating as the second Trump administration begins.
Lebryk, who briefly served as acting Treasury secretary, informed colleagues of his retirement after over 35 years of government service. His sudden departure raises questions about Musk’s control of the payment system and his intentions. It also highlights the power Musk, whose employment status within the federal government remains uncertain, is accumulating as the second Trump administration begins.
Judge Loren L. AliKhan
U.S. District Judge
Resister
U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan issued an administrative stay that expires soon, citing the need to preserve the status quo while the court considers the case. AliKhan questioned the government’s understanding of the programs affected by the pause, as requested by an attorney for the Justice Department.
The Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to temporarily pause all financial assistance-related activities. This memo caused confusion among agencies and states, with some losing access to Medicaid spending portals.
She extended a pause on the Trump administration's plan to freeze federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance on February 5th. The decision comes amid concerns that the administration is continuing to implement the freeze despite a temporary halt issued last week by her and a Rhode Island judge, following a legal challenge from a coalition of advocacy organizations.
The Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to temporarily pause all financial assistance-related activities. This memo caused confusion among agencies and states, with some losing access to Medicaid spending portals.
She extended a pause on the Trump administration's plan to freeze federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance on February 5th. The decision comes amid concerns that the administration is continuing to implement the freeze despite a temporary halt issued last week by her and a Rhode Island judge, following a legal challenge from a coalition of advocacy organizations.
Mitch McConnell
U.S. Senator from Kentucky and former Senate Majority Leader
Unexpected and Reluctant Resister
Cast a "NO" vote for the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to the position of Secretary of the Department of Defense, joining GOP Senators Murkowski of Alaska and Collins of Maine and requiring Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote confirming Hegseth.
Also cast "NO" votes for the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Robert Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Also cast "NO" votes for the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Robert Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
24 States and Cities and ACLU
Resister
Democratic-led states and cities are challenging President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, arguing it violates the 14th Amendment. The lawsuits allege the order, which hinges on the interpretation of the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” would deny citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants and burden state systems. Legal experts and opponents argue the order is unconstitutional and could lead to statelessness for impacted children.
The ACLU and states are prepared to challenge the order in court, citing its potential impact on American communities and the burden it would place on state systems.
The ACLU and states are prepared to challenge the order in court, citing its potential impact on American communities and the burden it would place on state systems.
Juan Merchan
Former prosecutor and now acting justice of the New York State Supreme Court in New York County (Manhattan)
Resister
Merchan schedules sentencing hearing for Trump on January 10, 2025 - The hearing relates to the 34-count guilty verdicts in the New York state prosecution in the so-called “hush money” election interference case. The significance of Merchan’s decision is this: Until Trump is sentenced, he is not a “convicted” felon. But sentencing Trump to prison would raise serious constitutional questions regarding the intersection of state and federal law.
Merchan anticipated the constitutional clash if he sentenced Trump to prison—and removed that controversy from the menu of items to be appealed. He did so by indicating in his scheduling order that the Trump's sentence would include an “unconditional release”—meaning that Trump would be “convicted” but would serve no time in prison, pay no financial penalty, and serve no time on probation under court supervision. An unconditional discharge leaves a defendant’s conviction on the books, and by law, every person convicted of a felony in New York must provide a DNA sample for the state’s crime databank.
President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in the New York hush money case, making him the first president to have been sentenced for a criminal conviction once he's sworn into office Jan. 20.
The unconditional discharge, which state Judge Juan Merchan said he was likely to impose, allows Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to stand with no further penalties, such as jail time.
The sentencing was allowed to go forward after the Supreme Court decided 5-4 yesterday to reject Trump's request to drop the proceeding. Trump said he thought it was a "fair decision" and referred to possible further appeals, such as of the verdict.
Trump was convicted in May of falsifying records related to hush money that his then-attorney Michael Cohen paid adult film star Stormy Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels testified that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he has denied.
Merchan anticipated the constitutional clash if he sentenced Trump to prison—and removed that controversy from the menu of items to be appealed. He did so by indicating in his scheduling order that the Trump's sentence would include an “unconditional release”—meaning that Trump would be “convicted” but would serve no time in prison, pay no financial penalty, and serve no time on probation under court supervision. An unconditional discharge leaves a defendant’s conviction on the books, and by law, every person convicted of a felony in New York must provide a DNA sample for the state’s crime databank.
President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in the New York hush money case, making him the first president to have been sentenced for a criminal conviction once he's sworn into office Jan. 20.
The unconditional discharge, which state Judge Juan Merchan said he was likely to impose, allows Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to stand with no further penalties, such as jail time.
The sentencing was allowed to go forward after the Supreme Court decided 5-4 yesterday to reject Trump's request to drop the proceeding. Trump said he thought it was a "fair decision" and referred to possible further appeals, such as of the verdict.
Trump was convicted in May of falsifying records related to hush money that his then-attorney Michael Cohen paid adult film star Stormy Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels testified that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he has denied.
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