Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the Department of Homeland Security revoked the university’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, effectively barring international students. This action, deemed unlawful and unwarranted by Harvard President Alan Garber, jeopardizes the futures of thousands of students and represents a significant escalation in the conflict between the university and the administration. The lawsuit alleges a retaliatory campaign against Harvard, highlighting the potential destabilization of the university’s operations by restricting international student enrollment. Harvard’s swift legal response underscores the critical role international students play in its academic community.
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Fifteen states, led by Washington and California, are suing the Trump administration for its January 20th declaration of a national energy emergency. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, argues the declaration is a pretext to bypass environmental review and permitting processes for numerous fossil fuel projects. The coalition contends that invoking emergency powers is only justifiable during actual disasters, not for policy changes. The states allege the executive order unlawfully directs federal agencies to expedite approvals for energy projects.
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This Sunday, 60 Minutes will air a segment criticizing President Trump’s intimidation tactics against law firms, despite being embroiled in a legal battle with him. The segment highlights Trump’s use of executive orders to target firms he accuses of “weaponizing” the justice system. This action comes amidst the recent departure of 60 Minutes’ executive producer, Bill Owens, who cited CBS’s alleged pandering to Trump and interference with editorial independence. The president, meanwhile, has declared his lawsuit against 60 Minutes and CBS a “true WINNER,” claiming fraud. The timing of the segment is particularly noteworthy given Paramount Global’s pending merger requiring presidential approval.
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In response to a Trump executive order deemed retaliatory, Susman Godfrey, the firm behind a successful $787 million lawsuit against Fox News, filed suit. The executive order bars the firm from federal contracts, revokes employee security clearances, and prohibits access to federal buildings. This action, described as unconstitutional and discriminatory, is viewed as part of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting law firms challenging his administration. Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit, supported by Munger Tolles & Olson, challenges the president’s actions and asserts the right of lawyers to represent clients without fear of reprisal.
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A Los Angeles County jury found rapper Soulja Boy (DeAndre Cortez Way) liable for sexually assaulting and abusing a former assistant, awarding her over $4 million in damages. The verdict, following a three-week trial, held Soulja Boy responsible for assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, though not for all claims. The plaintiff, who remained anonymous, alleged years of abuse and unpaid wages beginning in 2018. Soulja Boy’s legal team plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns about the influence of cultural perceptions on the trial.
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Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the unlawful rescission of $12 billion in public health funding. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the cuts, which will reportedly eliminate crucial public health services and cost thousands of healthcare jobs. The states argue that the funds, while initially allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported long-term public health infrastructure and were not solely for pandemic response. The plaintiffs contend that HHS lacks the authority to unilaterally rescind congressionally appropriated funds, thereby undermining the legislative branch’s power.
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Following a forceful takeover by DOGE, the acting president, a former GSA staffer, seeks to transfer USIP’s $500 million headquarters building to the GSA at no cost. This action, supported by high-ranking administration officials, is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency, according to former USIP officials who have filed a lawsuit to prevent the asset transfer. A court hearing will determine the fate of the building, with a broader ruling on the lawsuit expected soon. The legality of this action and the Trump administration’s involvement are central to the ongoing legal dispute.
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President Trump’s recent address to Congress provided new evidence in an ongoing lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During the speech, Trump explicitly stated that Elon Musk heads DOGE, a claim directly used in a new court filing by lawyers representing plaintiffs. This filing emphasizes the need for expedited discovery to clarify Musk’s actual role and DOGE’s structure, particularly in relation to Acting Administrator Amy Gleason. The White House’s conflicting statements regarding Musk’s position, ranging from “overseeing” DOGE to being a “senior advisor,” fuel the ongoing legal battle surrounding the department’s authority and operations.
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LaDonna Crutchfield filed a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest based on flawed facial recognition technology. Police, using a partial license plate, connected Crutchfield to an attempted murder investigation despite discrepancies in age and height between her and the actual suspect. The lawsuit claims the arresting officers failed to conduct basic investigative steps that could have readily exonerated Crutchfield, leading to her detainment, fingerprinting, and DNA collection. The Detroit Police Department denies using facial recognition but admits insufficient investigation led to the erroneous arrest.
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Contrary to statements by President Trump, court documents reveal Elon Musk holds a non-career Special Government Employee position within the White House, lacking authority to make governmental decisions. This declaration, filed in response to a lawsuit from 14 states, clarifies Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and refutes claims of a “hostile takeover.” While Musk’s involvement with DOGE, tasked with reducing federal spending, remains controversial, a judge expressed skepticism about halting DOGE’s access to sensitive data. The ongoing legal challenge seeks to limit Musk’s influence, amid public protests and divided public opinion regarding his efforts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker