Pushback 24

Andrea Dooley

25 Feb 2025 — 4 min read

It finally happened. For the first time, I've seen an example of AI that I can support. Some creative genius created an AI video of Trump sucking Elon Musk's toes, slapped "Long Live the Real King" across it, and broadcast it onto screens throughout the Department of Housing and Urban Development as workers returned to the office on Monday pursuant to OPM directives. I won't post a photo because I don't want to inflict that image on anyone who hasn't stumbled across it themselves. More civil disobedience like this, please.

The federal district court judges were very busy yesterday and there's lots of good news. Check out the legal updates below.

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Action Items

There will be protests in Arkansas (March 29, Little Rock) and Wyoming (February 29, Cheyenne) this month, in case you're wondering if there's actual nationwide outrage about what is happening to our country.

Don't forget the Economic Blackout on Friday. Don't buy gas or anything from Amazon, Walmart, or other big businesses. If you must buy, shop small businesses and pay cash.

There are protests at Tesla dealerships across the country. You can find yours at Tesla Takedown.

[Case re freeze on federal grants] "On Feb. 25, the court issued a memorandum opinion and granted the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction, enjoining the Trump administration from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the blanket freeze on disbursement of Federal funds." (Remember, a preliminary injunction is the intermediate step to a permanent injunction)
[Case re freeze on foreign aid grants via USAID] "On Feb. 24, plaintiffs filed an emergency renewed motion to enforce the TRO. The court held a hearing the following day and, on Feb. 25, granted the motion for a proposed order requiring the Administration pay all invoices and letter of credit drawdown requests for work completed prior to the TRO, as well as reimbursements on grants and assistance agreements by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The court further mandated that the Administration take no actions to impede and must ensure the prompt payment of appropriated foreign assistance funds going forward. The court also reportedly ordered the government to provide the court, by Feb. 26 at noon, with all internal directives to agency employees concerning compliance with the TRO."
Farmers are suing because "On Jan. 30, 2025, the Department of Agriculture removed climate change-related data from many of its websites. Plaintiffs, including environmental organizations and a nonprofit representing farmers, gardeners, and consumers, allege that the removal of data violates the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act. They seek declaratory judgment that the removal of information is unlawful; injunctions on further removal of information from agency websites; notice of any further modifications to webpages; and restoration of previously publicly-available datasets."
[Case re immigration raids on churches and schools] "On Feb. 24, the court granted in part a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the DHS 2025 directive in or near any place of worship owned or used by the plaintiff organizations without an administrative or judicial warrant; and instead requiring adherence to the 2021 guidelines. The court also issued a Memorandum Opinion, which explained its reasons for not issuing a nationwide injunction based on the particulars of the Plaintiffs' organizations and their affidavits."
[Case re housing and treatment of transgender inmates] "On Feb. 24, the court granted plaintiff's motion for a TRO and Preliminary Injunction, stopping the Administration from enforcing Sections 4(a) and 4(c) of Executive Order 14168 and maintaining Plaintiff’s housing and medical treatment."
The two Democratic party appointees to the US Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board have sued over their removal from the three-person Board.
"On Feb. 24, the court granted a TRO enjoining the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from disclosing sensitive information to any DOGE affiliates. The court denied the motion for a TRO against Treasury officials on the basis that a preliminary injunction against Treasury has already been granted in a related case."