Current Litigation

American Oversight has filed more than 100 lawsuits, suing to enforce our own requests for information as well as representing other plaintiffs. Below is a list of every lawsuit filed by American Oversight along with links to the related complaints, record requests, and documents.

Open Meetings Law Violation
American Oversight v. Secret Panel (23-2506)

Lawsuit filed against the secret panel created by Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to advise on the potential impeachment of a state supreme court justice, alleging that any meetings have been in violation of the state’s Open Meetings Law.

Louisiana Secretary of State Communications Surrounding ERIC Withdrawal
American Oversight v. Louisiana Secretary of State (23-6825)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against Louisiana Secretary of State Robert Kyle Ardoin seeking to compel the release of communications that could shed light on the decision to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), as well as communications with Sen. Ron Johnson and records from December 2021 meeting of the Louisiana Voting Systems Commission.

Ohio Secretary of State Communications and Assessments Regarding ERIC
American Oversight v. Ohio Secretary of State (23-0764)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose seeking the release of communications and assessments related to Ohio’s ERIC withdrawal, election-related data, and the independent state legislature theory.

Incidents of White Supremacist or Pro-Nazi Activity Among Military Personnel
American Oversight v. DOD, Army, Navy, Air Force, NGB, and DHS (23-1661)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking to compel the release of communications from political appointees to anti-immigrant groups concerning Migrant Protection Protocols.

DHS, ICE, CBP, and USCIS Communications with Anti-Immigration Groups
American Oversight v. DHS, ICE, CBP, and USCIS (23-1395)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking to compel the release of communications from political appointees to anti-immigrant groups concerning Migrant Protection Protocols.

Wake County, Pa., Election Officials’ Communications
American Oversight v. Fulton County, Pa., and Wake Technology Services, Inc. (21-1651)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against Fulton County, Pa., to compel the release of election officials’ communications with external entities, including parties involved in reviewing the county’s election results and voting machine equipment.

IRS Communications Regarding James Comey and Andrew McCabe
American Oversight v. Treasury and DFC (22-3516)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Internal Revenue Service seeking to compel the release of Trump political appointees’ communications regarding James Comey and Andrew McCabe.

Treasury and DFC Records of Kushner and Mnuchin Travel
American Oversight v. Treasury and DFC (22-3026)

Complaint filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation seeking records related to international travel by Jared Kushner and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in late 2020 and early 2021.

South Dakota Gov. Noem’s Travel Expense Records and Specific Legal Costs
American Oversight v. South Dakota Governor’s Office and DLR (22-0172)

Lawsuit filed against the South Dakota Office of the Governor and South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation seeking the release of Gov. Kristi Noem’s travel expense records as well as records concerning legal costs from the alleged forced retirement of a state employee.

Federal Records Related to Title 42
American Oversight v. State, HHS, and CDC (22-2510)

Lawsuit filed against the Virginia Office of the Governor seeking documents, policies, and communications related to the “inherently divisive concepts” tip line established by  Gov. Glenn Youngkin for parents to report teachers and school officials for teaching particular types of content.

Teacher Tip Line Records and Communications
American Oversight v. Virginia Office of the Governor (22-3027)

Lawsuit filed against the Virginia Office of the Governor seeking documents, policies, and communications related to the “inherently divisive concepts” tip line established by  Gov. Glenn Youngkin for parents to report teachers and school officials for teaching particular types of content.

EAC Officials’ Communications and Calendars
American Oversight v. EAC (22-2273)

Lawsuit filed against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission seeking the release of records requested by American Oversight reflecting board members’ communications with the Heritage Foundation and ‘Big Lie’ advocates. This lawsuit also seeks records related to board member Cleta Mitchel’s possible conflicts of interest.

Texas Gov. Abbott’s and Attorney General Paxton’s Records of Communications
American Oversight v. Texas Gov (22-2976)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton seeking the release of records of certain communications, including official messages sent using personal accounts or devices.

Communications and Documents Related to White House Records Retrieved from Former President Trump in January 2022
American Oversight v. NARA (22-1529)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the National Archives and Records Administration seeking the release of inventory documents, expenses, and communications related to the White House documents taken from former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in January 2022.

Communications About Sharing Nuclear Technology with Saudi Arabia
American Oversight v. CIA and State (22-1167)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of State seeking officials’ communications about efforts to share nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia during the Trump Administration.

Wisconsin Election Investigation Records in Possession of the Assembly Office of Special Counsel
American Oversight v. Wisconsin Assembly Office of Special Counsel and the Wisconsin State Assembly (21-3007)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Wisconsin Assembly Office of Special Counsel and the Wisconsin State Assembly seeking the release of records in the possession of the Assembly Office of Special Counsel, concerning an investigation into the state’s November 2020 election results.

Communications with Proponents of the ‘Big Lie’ in Weeks Following 2020 Election
American Oversight v. DHS and DOJ (21-3280)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department seeking officials’ communications with Fox News hosts, Trump Campaign associates and allies, and proponents of the stolen-election lie from the weeks following the 2020 presidential election, as Trump allies sought to overturn the election’s results.

Records Regarding Capitol Attack During Congressional Certification of 2020 Election Results
American Oversight v. USSS and DHS (21-2716)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security seeking to compel the release of records concerning the events at the U.S. Capitol during the congressional certification of the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Records and Data About Incidents of White Supremacist or Pro-Nazi Activity Among Military Personnel
American Oversight v. NGB, DOD, USCG, and DHS (21-3047)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the National Guard Bureau, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security seeking records concerning incidents of white supremacist, white nationalist, or pro-Nazi activity or ideology among military personnel, including relevant data maintained on the Anti-Harassment and Hate Incident Database.

Records Concerning Deaths of Detainees in Federal Custody
American Oversight v. DHS and ICE (21-3030)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeking the release of records concerning deaths of detainees held in federal immigration custody, including mortality reviews and health care and security compliance analyses.

Records from Multiple Agencies Concerning the Jan. 6, 2021, Attack on the Capitol Building
American Oversight v. DOD, Army, DHS, DOI, and DOJ (21-2800)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of the Army, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Interior, and the Justice Department seeking records related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol building, including communications from Jan. 6, whistleblower complaints, and records from a Jan. 4 meeting convened by acting Defense Secretary Miller.

Justice Department Records from Final Weeks of Trump Administration
American Oversight v. DOJ (21-2644)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Justice to compel the release of records from the presidential transition period, including communications and calendar records of high-ranking officials.

Wisconsin Election Investigation Records
American Oversight v. Wisconsin State Assembly (21-2440)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Wisconsin State Assembly seeking the release of records — including communications and contracts with contractors — concerning an investigation into the state’s November 2020 election results.

Defense Department Officials’ Calendars and Communications from Final Weeks of Trump Administration
American Oversight v. DOD (21-2257)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Defense seeking the release of agency officials’ communications, decision memos, and calendars from the final weeks of the Trump Administration.

Records Concerning Information Provided to U.S. Attorney’s Office In Pittsburgh from Giuliani

American Oversight v. DOJ (20-3783)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice seeking the release of orders, directives, approvals, or communications regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania’s process for receiving and evaluating information from Rudy Giuliani, including information concerning President-elect Joe Biden. This lawsuit also seeks records reflecting any communications the office had with Giuliani or the White House.

Undocumented Student Eligibility for Emergency Student Aid Rule
American Oversight v. ED (21-1444)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Education seeking sent email communications regarding a 2020 rule excluding undocumented students from receiving funds under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This lawsuit also seeks any email communications with White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller regarding the rule.

Maricopa County Audit Records
American Oversight v. Arizona Senate (21-8265)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Arizona Senate seeking the release of records concerning the audit of the November 2020 presidential election results in Maricopa County, Ariz.

Prosecution of Massachusetts Judge Joseph and Court Officer MacGregor
American Oversight v. ICE (21-10761)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking the release of communications between senior agency officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts concerning the federal prosecution of Massachusetts Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph and Court Officer Wesley MacGregor.

‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy Records and Communications
American Oversight v. DHS (21-1171)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security seeking the release of records related to the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico’’ policy (Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP), including records concerning its implementation. The lawsuit also seeks documents regarding changes to asylum processing and related communications of senior agency officials.

Top Officials’ Communications Regarding Efforts to Use DOJ to Overturn 2020 Election
American Oversight v. DOJ (21-1079)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice seeking the release of communication records of high-ranking agency officials, including former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and his staff, pertaining to former President Donald Trump’s reported pressure on the DOJ to support in his allies’ attempts overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

Communications with White House on Day of Congressional Certification of 2020 Election Results

American Oversight v. DOD and Army (21-0637)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army seeking the release of communication with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows during the congressional certification of the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Communications and Directives About Capitol Attack During Congressional Certification of 2020 Election Results

American Oversight v. DOD, NGB, Army, DOJ, and USSS (21-0624)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Defense, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Army, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Secret Service seeking the release of communications and directives concerning the events at the Capitol building during the congressional certification of the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Georgia Records Related to Elections

American Oversight v. Georgia Secretary of State (20-341511)

Lawsuit (and related motion) filed by American Oversight against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and other state officials for records related to election operations, including communications with national Republican groups and records concerning Georgia’s Absentee Ballot Fraud Task Force.

Trump and Pence Tax Return Audits

American Oversight v. Treasury and IRS (20-2787)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service for records of communications with White House officials about the annual tax return audits for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

Justice Kennedy Supreme Court Nominee List

American Oversight v. DOJ (20-2727)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice for a list of potential Supreme Court nominees recommended or preferred by former Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Kentucky Ballot Integrity Task Force Records

American Oversight v. Kentucky Attorney General (20-0758)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General for policy documents, agendas, meeting minutes, or similar records from the state’s Ballot Integrity Task Force. This lawsuit also seeks Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s related communications.

Vote by Mail Records

American Oversight v. USPS (20-2669)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for directives and assessments regarding voting by mail. This lawsuit also seeks Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s email communications containing related key terms.

Barsa’s Calendars and Email Communications
American Oversight v. USAID (20-2238)

American Oversight lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the calendar entries and email communications of Acting Administrator John Barsa, including records from his service as Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Covid-19 Supply Chain Task Force and Equipment Seizure
American Oversight v. DHS, FEMA, and DOD (20-2195)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Defense for records concerning the Covid-19 Supply Chain Task Force, including communications, protocols, or decision memos related to alleged incidents of federal entities seizing, rerouting, or otherwise interfering with states’ and hospitals’ orders of Covid-19 medical supplies.

Federal Deployment Orders and Use of Force Guidelines at Protests
American Oversight v. DOJ, DHS, CBP, ICE, DOD, and NGB (20-2153)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Defense, and the National Guard Bureau for records reflecting directives, assessments, and deployment orders regarding federal law enforcement response to protests. This lawsuit also seeks guidance given to federal forces regarding self-identification and display of badges when responding to demonstrations, as well as use-of-force guidelines.

2020 Census Implementation
American Oversight v. Census Bureau and Commerce (20-2090)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Commerce for directives and communications regarding the implementation of the 2020 census in light of the coronavirus pandemic. This lawsuit also seeks records reflecting communications with the White House, the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and non-government entities regarding the 2020 census.

Deaths in DHS Custody
American Oversight v. DHS, CBP, ICE (20-2018)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for records concerning deaths of people in custody of immigration authorities, including compliance reviews, complaints, timelines and internal reports.

Pompeo’s Use of Military Housing
American Oversight v. State, GSA, Army, and Navy (20-1917)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State, the General Services Administration, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy for records reflecting payments made to any military component by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, members of his family, or the Department of State for military housing in the Washington, D.C. region. This lawsuit also seeks related communications.

Foley Records and Communications with The Obria Group
Campaign for Accountability v. HHS (19-625)

Lawsuit filed by Campaign for Accountability (CfA) against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the calendars and communications of Diane Foley, deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Population Affairs and director of the Office of Adolescent Health. This lawsuit also seeks any communications exchanged between HHS and the anti-abortion organization The Obria Group. American Oversight began representing CfA in this case in August 2020. 

Title X Funding Applications and Communications 
Campaign for Accountability v. HHS (20-491)

Lawsuit filed by Campaign for Accountability (CfA) against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records related to Title X funding, including internal communications and documents sufficient to identify the entities that submitted Title X funding applications. This lawsuit also seeks application materials for Title X funding submitted by the anti-abortion organization The Obria Group, and for communications regarding the implementation of the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Susan Pompeo’s Role at the Department of State
American Oversight v. State (20-1823)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for records concerning Susan Pompeo, spouse of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to shed light on her role at the agency. This lawsuit seeks records of meetings chaired by Susan Pompeo, her calendars and communications maintained by State, and officials’ emails regarding her role at the department.

Politicization of ODNI Investigations
American Oversight v. ODNI (20-1797)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) for records regarding whether and to what extent ODNI resources have been commandeered for political purposes. This lawsuit also seeks communications and calendar records of high-ranking ODNI officials, including emails sent by Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell concerning former Inspector General Michael Atkinson.

Naturalization Data
Ryo v. DHS and USCIS (20-1792)

Lawsuit filed by Emily Ryo, represented by American Oversight, against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for agencies’ naturalization data.

Coronavirus Stimulus Package Communications
American Oversight v. Treasury (20-1788)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of the Treasury for records concerning the coronavirus stimulus package, including communications about key provisions in the stimulus, agency officials’ communications with White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and emails with non-government entities.

Pompeo’s Conduct and the Firing of State Department Inspector General
American Oversight v. State (20-1741)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for records concerning investigations into Secretary Mike Pompeo, including emails sent by Inspector General Steve Linick to agency officials and specific directives sent to his office. This lawsuit also seeks Pompeo’s emails regarding Linick, his written responses to inquiries related to his role in an arms deal, and calendars reflecting meetings between Linick and Pompeo.

Requested Memos on Family Separation
American Oversight v. DHS and ICE (20-1716)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for policy memos regarding enforcement, zero tolerance, or family separation. The records were referenced in an email sent by ICE’s then-chief of staff Thomas Blank in late January 2019.

Kushner’s Covid-19 Response
American Oversight v. DHS, DOD, FEMA, and DFC (20-1596)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Defense for communications with or about individuals employed by firms enlisted in the Covid-19 response by White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner. This lawsuit also seeks calendars and communications of U.S. International Development Finance Corporation CEO Adam Boehler regarding Kushner’s Covid-19 task force, including supply chain matters.

Meadows’s Texts and Emails with Multiple Agencies
American Oversight v. HHS, Treasury, State, and OMB (20-1343)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Office of Management and Budget and the Departments of Health and Human Services, the Treasury, and State for Rep. Mark Meadows’s emails and text messages in the months of his transition to the role of White House chief of staff.

Communications Regarding Flynn Prosecution and Case Dismissal
 American Oversight v. DOJ (20-1211)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice for communications of Attorney General William Barr or his aides regarding the prosecution of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Sent Communications Containing Terms Related to Coronavirus
 American Oversight v. HHS, CMS, State, and Treas (20-1169)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of State, and the Department of the Treasury for senior officials’ sent email communications, starting from Jan. 15, 2020, containing terms related to coronavirus.

Coronavirus Testing Communications
 American Oversight v. HHS and FDA (20-1064)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration for emails sent by senior officials containing key terms related to coronavirus testing.

Coronavirus Communications Directives
American Oversight v. HHS, FDA, NIAID, and CMS (20-1063)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for email communications between agency and White House officials involved in the federal government’s coronavirus response, and any directives, orders, or guidance from HHS or the White House regarding public communications or press strategy.

Directives on Cooperation with Congress
 American Oversight v. CIA and NSA (20-1008)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency for any directives or guidance, from the White House or the agencies, seeking to limit cooperation with Congress.

Coronavirus Testing Directives
 American Oversight v. HHS and FDA (20-947)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration for directives or guidance regarding decisions about testing for coronavirus, including decisions concerning whether to use the World Health Organization’s test, whether to share data on the status of test kits nationwide, where and when to send tests to health-care providers, and who qualifies for testing.

Clemency Task Force Meeting Records
 American Oversight v. Trump, Kushner, and the Executive Office of the President (20-716)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against President Donald Trump, White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner, and the Executive Office of the President for documents prepared by or for members of the president’s clemency task force, including minutes, transcripts, reports, or agendas. These records were initially requested under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

Clinton Email Investigation Leaks to Giuliani During 2016 Campaigns
 American Oversight v. FBI (20-2088)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for communications — including emails, text messages, and phone logs — between New York Field Office FBI officials and Rudy Giuliani, during the 2016 presidential election. In October 2016, then-director of the FBI James Comey reportedly launched an investigation into potential FBI leaks to Giuliani about an investigation into former Secretary of State and then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s email use. This complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Records Referencing Lawrence Bartlett
Bartlett v. State (20-665)

Lawsuit filed by Lawrence Bartlett, represented by American Oversight, against the Department of State for records reflecting emails or correspondence sent or received by specific officials from other U.S. government agencies that reference Bartlett by name or title between January 20, 2017, and March 20, 2018.

Credible Fear Interviews
 American Oversight v. DHS and USCIS (20-652)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for records, including instructions, training materials, or statistics on interview determinations, regarding the transfer of responsibility for conducting credible fear interviews for asylum seekers from USCIS asylum officers to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement agents.

David Bernhardt’s Communications and Travel Records
Western Values Project v. DOI (20-594)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of Western Values Project against the Department of the Interior (DOI) for Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s communications, including phone call logs, text messages, a list of Google documents shared with Bernhardt, and emails from both his professional and personal email addresses. This lawsuit also seeks travel records processed by ConcurGov from January to June 2019.

Pendley’s and Jorjani’s Industry-Related Communications
American Oversight v. DOI (20-493)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of the Interior (DOI) for the communications of DOI Solicitor Daniel Jorjani and Bureau of Land Management Acting Director William Pendley, including communications with specific groups representing energy industry interests. This lawsuit also seeks Pendley’s calendars and ethics documents.

Vice President Pence’s Ukraine Communications
American Oversight v. State (20-322)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State seeking records relating to Vice President Pence’s communications with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as records from his August/September 2019 trip to Europe. This lawsuit also seeks records of communications between the Office of the Vice President and top State officials related to the effort to pressure Ukraine to open a politically motivated investigation.

Embassy Communications Regarding Trump Properties
American Oversight v. State (19-3759)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of State for records of agency officials’ and U.S. embassy personnel’s communications regarding Trump Organization properties around the world, including Trump Towers Istanbul and Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver.

DOJ Officials’ Ukraine Communications
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-3540)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice for records of communications between DOJ officials and the president’s personal lawyers, including Rudy Giuliani, as well as Ukrainian officials. The lawsuit also seeks DOJ communications about the effort to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate President Trump’s political opponents.

Calendars of Senior Officials
American Oversight v. Multiple Agencies (19-3435)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of State for the calendars of senior agency officials — including the calendars of multiple U.S. ambassadors.

Cuccinelli’s Leadership at USCIS
American Oversight v. USCIS (19-3421)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for records related to Ken Cuccinelli’s leadership and performance as acting director. American Oversight is asking for records of leadership changes at the agency as well as Cuccinelli’s ethics documents, approved directives, and communications — including communications with White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller.

Sondland’s Ukraine Communications and Calendar Entries
American Oversight v. State (19-3387)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of State for records of U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, including calendar entries, text messages, communications with Rudy Giuliani and his associates, and communications about efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate the president’s political opponent, Joe Biden, and members of Biden’s family.

OMB and DOD Directives and Communications Concerning Ukraine
American Oversight v. OMB and DOD (19-3213)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Defense for directives and communications that may relate to any untoward effort to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate one of President Trump’s political opponents in an effort to give the president an electoral advantage by withholding aid to Ukraine.

Perry and Brouillette’s Ukraine Records and Communications
American Oversight v. DOE (19-3155)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Energy for Secretary Rick Perry’s communications with high-level Ukraine officials; with outside groups associated with U.S. energy interests in Ukraine; and with particular associates of President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani. American Oversight is also seeking the release of records regarding the U.S. delegation, led by Perry, to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s inauguration.

Agency Records Regarding Giuliani, Volker, Parnas, and Fruman
American Oversight v. State (19-3058)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for emails sent by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or other senior officials referencing President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden, or Ukrainian-born businessmen Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman. The lawsuit also seeks the calendars of former Ukraine special representative Kurt Volker and his communications with Giuliani.

Ukraine Communications with State Department Officials
American Oversight v. State (19-2934)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for Rudy Giuliani’s communications with senior department officials as well as any other communications about any attempt to pressure Ukraine to investigate 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden or his son. American Oversight also seeks records regarding the recall of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch as well as communications between the State Department and President Trump’s personal attorneys Victoria Toensing and Joseph diGenova.

Communications Regarding Congressional Investigations
American Oversight v. GSA, HUD, Treasury, and Commerce (19-2814)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against four Trump administration agencies — the General Services Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Commerce — for communications from White House officials regarding congressional oversight.

White House Communications Regarding Congressional Oversight
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2813)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice for communications from White House officials regarding congressional oversight of the executive branch. American Oversight seeks these records as they may detail efforts by the White House to obstruct congressional investigations.

Witness Interviews Regarding Trump’s Potential Campaign Finance Violations
American Oversight v. DOJ and FBI (19-8215)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for records summarizing, memorializing, or recording witness interviews, including those of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, in connection with the closed investigation into President Trump’s potential campaign finance violations.

Alex Azar’s Communications with Pharmaceutical Companies
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2577)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Health and Human Services for communications between Secretary Alex Azar and key pharmaceutical corporations, including Azar’s former employer Eli Lilly and Company.

John Durham’s Inquiry into the Russia investigation
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2563)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for records of U.S. Attorney John Durham’s inquiry into the Russia investigation. This investigation was ordered by DOJ following repeated demands from president Trump and his allies in Congress, and has raised serious concerns about the misuse of federal law enforcement for political purposes.

David Shulkin’s Personal Emails
American Oversight and Democracy Forward v. VA, NARA, Archivist David Ferriero, and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie (19-2519)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight and Democracy Forward against the National Archives and Records Administration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Archivist David Ferriero and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie for failing to recover and preserve emails former VA Secretary David Shulkin sent from a personal account used to conduct government business with outside advisers.

Katharine Gorka’s Calendars and Emails
American Oversight v. DHS (19-2395)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for Customs and Border Protection press secretary Katharine Gorka’s calendars and emails. American Oversight sought these records to shed light on Gorka’s ties to known anti-immigrant and anti-muslim groups.

Mike Pompeo’s Communications 
American Oversight v. CIA and State (19-2169)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency for communications between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and non-governmental entities or groups.

Manuel Miranda and Department of Justice Communications 
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-1949)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Justice seeking communications between Manuel Miranda and DOJ offices in order to shed light on a scandal associated with Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh.

Conditions in Detention Centers
American Oversight v. DHS, CBP, and ICE (19-1817)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against DHS, ICE, and CBP to shed light on conditions in migrant detention centers, as well as records related to various migrant children who died in U.S. custody.

Trump and Putin Meeting Notes
American Oversight and Democracy Forward v. State et. al. (19-1773)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight and Democracy Forward Foundation against the State Department, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the National Archives, and Archivist David Ferriero under the Federal Records Act to compel the defendants to preserve and recover any records of meetings between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Detainee Deaths in U.S. Custody
American Oversight v. DHS, CBP, and ICE (19-1764)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security seeking communications of senior officials, including Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan, related to the deaths of individuals detained by ICE and Border Patrol.

Elaine Chao and Mitch McConnell Communications
American Oversight v. DOT (19-1752)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Transportation seeking communications between McConnell’s office and DOT officials, as well as recent calendars for Secretary Chao, Todd Inman, and other senior aides.

Gene Hamilton’s Communications
American Oversight v. DOJ and DHS (19-1339)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against DOJ and DHS for Gene Hamilton’s external communications to shed light on outside influences on DOJ and DHS policy, including immigration policy.

Casino Magnate Influence on Administration Policy (Steve Wynn Communications)
American Oversight v. DOL and DOJ (19-1300)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Labor and the Justice Department to shed light on the influence the Steve Wynn has in the administration. The lawsuit was filed for records in following the reversal of a 2011 Labor Department rule that benefited Wynn.

Senior Officials’ Calendars
American Oversight v. Multiple Agencies (19-912)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against several agencies seeking calendars following previous request for senior officials’ calendars. Some of the requests are seeking calendars from mid-2018 and others’ date back to the beginning of the administration.

Stephen Miller’s Influence Across the Federal Government
American Oversight v. DHS, DOJ, HHS, and State (19-774)

American Oversight sued DHS, DOJ, HHS, and State for senior adviser Stephen Miller’s communications to shed light on his influence across the federal government.

Eric Blankenstein’s Racist and Sexist Blog
Allied Progress v. CFPB (19-582)

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Allied Progress against CFPB seeking Eric Blankenstein’s communications with senior officials in the days following the Washington Post’s report that Blankenstein had published a blog under a pen name where he expressed racist and sexist views.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ Conflicts of Interest
American Oversight v. Commerce (19-0575)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against Commerce seeking records of communications with entities listed on Commerce Secretary Ross’ ethics agreements, communications between senior Commerce officials and business entities, and records of Ross’ meetings with industry groups.

Assistant Attorney General Gore’s Changes to Civil Rights Protections
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-265)

Lawsuit filed against DOJ to obtain Acting Assistant Attorney General Gore’s external communications to shed light on whether outside groups have influenced changes to civil rights protections under Gore.

HHS and CMS Communications with Conservative Think Tanks
SEIU v. HHS and CMS (18-3010)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of SEIU against HHS and CMS seeking their communications with conservative think tanks like Freedom Foundation, the State Policy Network, and National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

Communications with Anti-Immigration Groups about the Family-Separation Policy
American Oversight v. DHS (18-2842)

Lawsuit against DHS, CBP, ICE, and USCIS seeking records related to the Trump administration’s family separation policy and communications with anti-immigrant groups.

Conditions in Immigrant Detention Centers
American Oversight v. HHS, ACF, and the HHS OIG (18-2845)

Lawsuit against HHS, ACF, and the HHS Office of Inspector General seeking records related to the administration’s family separation policy, including DNA testing to reunite families, conditions of immigrant detention centers, and records from any OIG inspections of the detention centers.

Family-Separation Policy Costs 
American Oversight v. DOJ, EOIR, U.S. Marshals Service, HHS, ACF, CBP, USCIS, and OMB (18-2840)

Lawsuit against DOJ, EOIR, U.S. Marshals Service, HHS, ACF, CBP, USCIS, and OMB seeking records related to costs associated with the Trump administration’s family separation policy.

DOJ Communications with Anti-Immigrant Groups Regarding the Family-Separation Policy
American Oversight v. DOJ (18-2844)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against DOJ seeking records related to the Trump administration’s family separation policy and communications with anti-immigrant groups.

Sessions Memo Regarding the Administration’s Family Separation Policy 
American Oversight v. DOJ, DHS, CBP, ICE, and USCIS (18-2846)

Lawsuit against DOJ, DHS, CBP, ICE, and USCIS seeking communications containing specific search terms related to the administration’s family separation policy and guidance on the zero-tolerance policy.

Jared Kushner’s Personal Email List 
American Oversight v. DOD, HHS, DOJ, State, and Treasury (18-2720)

Lawsuit against the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Department of the Treasury to uncover the extent of Jared Kushner’s personal email use.

Perceived Disloyalty and Political Retaliation at State
American Oversight v. State (18-2565)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State to uncover evidence of alleged political retaliation against career holdovers and those perceived to be disloyal to President Trump.

The FBI Headquarters Relocation Project
American Oversight v. GSA, DOJ, FBI, and OMB (18-2419, 18-2421, 18-2422, 18-2423, 18-2424)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against DOJ, FBI, OMB, and GSA seeking records of White House meetings and communications regarding the FBI Headquarters consolidation project.

Citizenship Question on the 2020 Census
NAACP and American Oversight v. DOJ (18-9363)

Lawsuit filed by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund against the Department of Justice, seeking the release of records related to the inclusion of the a citizenship question on the upcoming 2020 Census. American Oversight is serving as co-counsel in this litigation.

Interior Secretary Zinke’s Questionable Leadership at Interior
Western Values Project and American Oversight v. DOI (18-2336)

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Western Values Project against the Department of the Interior (DOI) to investigate Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s leadership. WVP is asking for records related to Zinke’s conduct during his tenure as secretary, including records of Zinke’s travel to various political conferences, his communications with individuals tied to Halliburton, and any emails sent by or to Zinke on personal email accounts or private servers.

United States Senators Seeking Records Related to Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh
Sens. Blumenthal, Leahy, Whitehouse, Hirono, Booker, and Harris, Members of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary vs. NARA, CIA, and DOJ (18-2431)

Lawsuit and motion for a temporary restraining order filed by United States Senators Richard Blumenthal, Patrick Leahy, Sheldon Whitehouse, Mazie K. Hirono, Cory A. Booker, and Kamala D. Harris, Members of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, against the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) seeking the release of records related to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. American Oversight is representing the senators in this litigation.

Justice Department Records Regarding Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh
Fix the Court v. DOJ (18-2091)

Lawsuit and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by watchdog group Fix the Court against the Department of Justice seeking the release of records from the Office of Legal Policy relating to Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s work in the White House in the early 2000s.

Michael Cohen and Corey Lewandowski Communications
American Oversight v. Multiple Agencies (18-2025)

Lawsuit seeking communications between former members of President Trump’s inner circle — including Michael Cohen and Corey Lewandowski — and political appointees at six federal agencies. The lawsuit seeks records from the Departments of Defense, Justice, Health and Human Services, State, the Treasury, and the Federal Communications Commission.

DOJ’s Letter to Encourage Voter Purging
Brennan Center v. DOJ (18-1841)

Represented by American Oversight, the Brennan Center for Justice is suing DOJ for refusing to turn over documents related to a letter DOJ sent asking for detailed information about how states maintain their voter rolls, which could have led to voter purging.

CFPB Nominee Kraninger Records
Allied Progress v. OMB and CFPB (18-1728)

American Oversight’s lawsuit representing Allied Progress, an organization suing to uncover the records related to CFPB nominee Kathy Kraninger.

Communications Between McConnell and DOT
American Oversight v. DOT (18-1272)

American Oversight is using DOT to obtain emails and other communications between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Senator Mitch McConnell’s office.

HUD’s Relationship with Sinclair Broadcast Group
American Oversight v. HUD (18-793)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of records related to HUD’s communications with conservative media personality Armstrong Williams and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Trump’s Cabinet Office Renovation Expenses
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Agriculture et.al. (18-568)

American Oversight is suing 16 cabinet-level agencies to uncover records of expenditures for upgrades, furniture, or other renovations for the offices of senior political appointees. Agencies named in this lawsuit are: Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, HHS, Justice, Labor, State, Interior, Treasury, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, GSA, and OMB.

Senior Officials’ Calendars at Numerous Agencies
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Commerce et al. (18-534)

American Oversight is suing Commerce, Education, DOE, EPA, DHS, Interior, Labor, DOT, HHS, HUD, SBA, State, Treasury, and USDA for the release of calendars of senior political appointees.

Investigating HUD’s Taxpayer-Funded Office Redecoration
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (18-468)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of expenditures and communications related to redecorating or renovating Secretary Ben Carson’s office.

EPA’s Refusal to Comply with Freedom of Information Act Requests
American Oversight v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (18-364)

American Oversight is suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek an injunction to stop the EPA from continuing its practice of denying reasonably described Freedom of Information Act requests.

Investigating DOJ’s Decision to Re-Open Uranium One Investigation
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice (18-319)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the release of records related to DOJ’s decision to re-open an investigation into Uranium One and Hillary Clinton. The suit seeks records evaluating legal-ethics issues and recusal obligations related to the Attorney General’s participation in the decision. This suit is part of a larger investigation into the politicization of the Department of Justice.

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap: Accessing Voter Fraud Commission Documents
Dunlap v. Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity et al. (17-2361)

American Oversight is representing Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, who served as a member of the president’s voter fraud commission, in a suit seeking access to commission records to which he is legally entitled. In January 2018, after a federal judge ruled that Dunlap could not be excluded from participating in the commission’s deliberations, President Trump dissolved the commission. American Oversight is continuing to support Dunlap in his fight to gain access to the commission’s records.

Obamacare Repeal Negotiations
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Management and Budget (17-827)

American Oversight is suing to uncover communications between the agencies and Congress and regarding the behind-the-scenes negotiations during the 2017 attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The House of Representatives has also intervened in the lawsuit to argue that several documents should be withheld from the public, with potentially wide-ranging implications for the Freedom of Information Act. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into the health care repeal effort.

 

CLOSED LITIGATION

The following lawsuits have been settled, and American Oversight is no longer expecting documents to be produced in response to the underlying FOIA requests.

Jared Kushner’s Delegation to the Middle East
American Oversight v. State (19-2728)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for communications regarding Jared Kushner’s diplomatic trips to the Middle East, as well as records concerning a proposed arms deal with Saudi Arabia and legal justification for the use of force against Iran using the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).

Coronavirus Outbreak in Prisons
American Oversight v. DHS, ICE, DOJ, and BOP (20-1367)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for directives, risk assessments, data, and related communications regarding the outbreak of coronavirus in prisons.

USAGM Senior Officials’ Calendars and Communications
American Oversight v. USAGM (21-1200)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) seeking the release of communications and calendar entries for former USAGM CEO Michael Pack, as well as calendar entries for specific senior officials.

High-Ranking Officials’ Text Messages Related to Covid-19

American Oversight v. HHS, FDA, and CMS (20-3282)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services seeking the release of high-ranking officials’ text messages related to Covid-19.

Postmaster DeJoy’s Calendars

American Oversight v. USPS (20-2580)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the calendar entries of Postmaster Louis DeJoy. In a reply to American Oversight’s initial request for records, USPS stated that DeJoy’s calendars are not subject to FOIA request. 

Attorney General Barr’s Conduct
American Oversight v. DOJ (20-2332)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Justice for complaints filed with the Office of the Inspector General or the Office of Professional Responsibility concerning the conduct of Attorney General William Barr.

Agency Data on Detainees
Ryo v. DHS, CBP, and ICE (20-1166)

Lawsuit filed by Emily Ryo, represented by American Oversight, against the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for agencies’ data regarding detainees, including information on detainees’ immigration case history.

Records of Complaints About Pompeo’s Conduct
American Oversight v. State and CIA (20-434)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for any records of complaints filed by employees concerning the conduct of Mike Pompeo during his tenure as secretary of state or CIA director.

CDC FOIA Request Violations
American Oversight v. CDC and HHS (20-1296)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over the department’s practice of rejecting valid Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests — including requests related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Call Logs from Jan. 6, 2021

American Oversight v. DOD, Army, NGB, and DOJ (21-0638)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Defense, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Army, and the Department of Justice seeking the release of agency call logs during the congressional certification of the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Officials’ Communications with Trump White House and Other External Parties

American Oversight v. Census Bureau (21-2082)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Census Bureau seeking the release of communications with White House officials during litigation over the decennial census cut-off date. This lawsuit also seeks the external communications of specific bureau officials who served under the Trump administration, including Benjamin Overholt, Eric Mayfield, Nathaniel Cogley, Adam Korzeniewski.

Pfizer Communications About a Covid-19 Vaccine

American Oversight v. HHS, CDC, CMS, and FDA (20-3575)

American Oversight lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Food and Drug Administration seeking the release of agencies’ communications with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer regarding a Covid-19 vaccine.

USDA Kansas City Relocation
American Oversight and Union of Concerned Scientists v. USDA and GSA (20-1259)

Lawsuit filed by the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the General Services Administration for records — including site visit records, cost analyses, and decision memos — regarding the relocation of USDA offices to 805 Pennsylvania Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

Records Concerning the Harriet Tubman $20 Bill

American Oversight v. BEP and Treasury (21-0981)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Department of the Treasury seeking records, including communications, concerning decisions about the plan to redesign the $20 dollar bill with the image of Harriet Tubman.

Private Prison Contractor Communications
Worth Rises and American Oversight v. DOJ, DHS, and ICE (20-1876)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight in partnership with Worth Rises against the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for communications with private prison companies, contractors profiting from detention and incarceration, and their lobbyists.

Georgia Records Related to Elections
American Oversight v. Georgia Secretary of State (20-341511)

Lawsuit (and related motion) filed by American Oversight against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and other state officials for records related to election operations, including communications with national Republican groups and records concerning Georgia’s Absentee Ballot Fraud Task Force.

Dream Center Oversight
NSLDN v. Education (19-1492) 

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of the National Student Legal Defense Network to obtain records related to the Trump administration’s oversight of financially troubled colleges owned by the Dream Center.

Treasury Communications Concerning Foreign Business Interests
American Oversight v. Treasury (19-3695)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of the Treasury for records of emails and other communications of political appointees at the agency — including Secretary Steven Mnuchin — with or about specific entities or individuals, including Kentucky-based alloy company Braidy Industries and the office of Sen. Mitch McConnell. This lawsuit also seeks communications between the agency and foreign business interests, such as Russian-based aluminum company Rusal.

John Huber’s Investigation into Hillary Clinton
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2562)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for records of U.S. Attorney John Huber’s investigation into Hillary Clinton. This investigation was ordered by DOJ following repeated demands from president Trump and his allies in Congress, and has raised serious concerns about the misuse of federal law enforcement for political purposes.

Federal Employee Free Speech Rights
American Federation of Government Employees and AFGE Local 2578 v. OSC (19-2322)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees and AFGE Local 2578 against the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). This suit challenges guidance issued by OSC that presumptively restricts federal employees from expressing any opinion on “impeachment” or policy matters if terms like “#resist” or “resistance” are used.

Anti-Abortion Influence at Health and Human Services
Equity Forward v. HHS (19-461)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of Equity Forward for communications between HHS officials and anti-abortion groups in light of the administration’s rule barring groups that provide abortions or abortion referrals from receiving family planning funding.

Equity Forward: Exposing Efforts to Restrict Abortion Rights of Immigrant Minors
Equity Forward v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (18-241)

American Oversight is representing Equity Forward in a suit seeking the release of records from the Office of Refugee Resettlement regarding efforts to prevent unaccompanied immigrant minors from exercising their constitutional rights to abortion.

HHS Senior Officials Communications with Anti-Abortion Groups
American Oversight v. HHS (19-435)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against HHS seeking communications between HHS senior officials and anti-abortion groups to determine if the groups are influencing policy.

Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center Conditions
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2272)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Justice for records concerning how the DOJ and the Bureau of Prisons responded to the inhumane conditions, including dangerously cold temperatures, at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center during January and February of 2019.

Treatment of Detainees in ICE, CBP, and DHS Custody
American Oversight v. DHS, ICE, and CBP (19-1901)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection for records to shed light on the treatment of detainees, including transgender and pregnant detainees.

Federal Student Aid Performance Agreements
Student Defense and American Oversight v. ED (20-2254)

Lawsuit filed by Student Defense and American Oversight against the Department of Education for the Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer’s performance agreements and evaluations. This lawsuit also seeks records reflecting the required transmission of these performance agreements and evaluations to members of Congress.

The Obria Group Progress Reports, Financial Records, and Communications with HHS
Campaign for Accountability v. HHS (20-583)

Lawsuit filed by Campaign for Accountability (CfA) against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for financial and annual progress reports submitted to HHS by the anti-abortion organization The Obria Group. This lawsuit also seeks communications between HHS officials and Obria. American Oversight began representing CfA in this case in August 2020.

Trump Cabinet Air Travel on Government Jets
American Oversight v. DOD, FAA, and GSA (18-787)

American Oversight is suing to uncover records of senior Trump administration officials’ use of taxpayer-funded travel on government-owned aircraft following reports of inappropriate taxpayer travel by Secretary Mnuchin, Administrator Pruitt, and Secretary Zinke.

Shannon Royce’s Calendars
American Oversight v. HHS (19-1578)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against Health and Human Services seeking Shannon Royce’s calendars, the director of the HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives.

Grenell’s Security Clearance
 American Oversight v. State (20-948)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of State for the release of security clearance paperwork and interview notes for Richard Grenell, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director for National Intelligence.

Filed Detention Facility Grievances Since March 2020
American Oversight v. DHS and ICE (20-1610)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for records concerning filed grievances at six detention center facilities since March 2020, including grievance logs and documents reflecting grievance-related final adjudications or written responses made by ICE personnel or ICE contractors.

The Trump Administration’s Failed Coal and Nuclear Power Plant Bailouts 
Union of Concerned Scientists v. DOE and FERC (18-2615)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of Union of Concerned Scientists against DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking records related to Trump administration’s numerous failed proposals to bail out coal and nuclear power plants.

HHS Records on the Administration’s Family Separation Policy
American Oversight v. HHS (18-1509)

Lawsuit filed on behalf of Equity Forward against the Department of Health and Human Services to compel the release of records relating to the Trump administration’s policy of separating and detaining the children of immigrants arrested attempting to enter the United States.

Perdue Emails and Georgia Industry Communications
American Oversight v. USDA (19-3259)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for records of communications with Secretary Sonny Perdue’s family businesses and external agricultural interest groups, including those sent from a personal email account. American Oversight is seeking these records to learn whether Secretary Perdue’s ties to agricultural interest groups have had an impact on his policy decisions.

Trump Business Influence on State Embassies
American Oversight v. State (18-2579)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the State Department to determine whether President Trump and his family’s business interests have influenced agency policy.

Elaine Chao’s Family Company Communications
Restore Public Trust v. DOT (19-1677)

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Restore Public Trust against the Department of Transportation, seeking communications between senior Transportation Department officials and a wide range of entities and people linked to the Foremost Group. The lawsuit also seeks Secretary Elaine Chao’s travel records.

White House Interference Regarding Vote by Mail and Coronavirus
American Oversight v. USPS (20-1535)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for White House or agency directives, guidance, and communications concerning vote-by-mail operations or USPS’s role in delivering ballots for primary or general elections this year. This lawsuit also seeks records regarding the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on USPS’s ability to perform mail delivery, including legal analyses about federal emergency loans granted to the agency.

Secretary Perdue’s Ethics Agreement
American Oversight v. USDA (19-1201)

American Oversight sued the Department of Agriculture to compel the release of records related to Secretary Sonny Perdue’s ethics disclosures as well as his communications with his cousin, Senator David Perdue, and specific industry interests.

Twin Metals Mining Lease
American Oversight v. DOI and USDA (19-1857)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management, the Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Forest Service seeking records related to the Twin Metals mining lease granted to Antofagasta in the Boundary Waters wilderness.

McConnell’s Influence Across the Federal Government
American Oversight v. DOT, DOE, and State (20-511)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of State for communications between high-level agency officials and the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

David Bernhardt’s Communications with Former Employers and Clients
Western Values Project v. DOI (19-2527)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of Western Values Project against the Department of the Interior for communications between Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and his former clients during his career as a lobbyist for the oil and gas industry.

Campaign for Accountability: Exposing Efforts to Restrict Abortion Rights of Immigrant Minors
Campaign for Accountability v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (18-248)

American Oversight is representing Campaign for Accountability in a suit seeking the release of records from the Office of Refugee Resettlement regarding efforts to prevent unaccompanied immigrant minors from exercising their constitutional rights to abortion.

Casino Magnate Influence on Administration Policy (Sheldon Adelson Communications)
American Oversight v. Commerce, Treasury, and State (19-1301)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the departments of Commerce, Treasury, and State to shed light on casino-owner and Trump donor Sheldon Adelson’s influence over federal policy.

Uncovering the Backroom Deals Behind Tax Reform
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of the Treasury and Office of Management and Budget (17-2078)

American Oversight is suing for documents and communications between the agencies, Congress, and outside entities to expose the process that led to the sweeping tax legislation signed into law in late 2017. This suit is part of an investigation into the tax overhaul.

Gainful Employment Rule
Student Defense v. ED (20-1258)

Lawsuit filed by Student Defense, represented by American Oversight, against the Department of Education for communications with non-government parties regarding the Gainful Employment Rule, which Secretary Betsy DeVos repealed in July 2019. The Gainful Employment rule sought to protect borrowers from for-profit colleges that graduate students with excessive loan debt.

Border Wall Emails Between DHS and White House, States, Conservative Media
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (18-305)

American Oversight is suing for the release of emails and other communications related to President Trump’s proposed border wall sent between officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and individuals within the White House, border state governments, anti-immigration activist groups, and conservative media outlets including Breitbart and Fox News. This suit is part of the Audit the Wall investigation.

Investigating the Sabotage of the Affordable Care Act
American Oversight v. HHS and OMB (17-1448)

American Oversight is suing for the release of a March 2017 letter from President Trump to House Republicans outlining a potential plan to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into health care legislation.

Campaign for Accountability: Documents Linked to Superfund Report Suppressed by Pruitt
American Oversight v. Environmental Protection Agency (18-783)

American Oversight is representing Campaign for Accountability in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to compel the release of records related to the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma, specifically records related to a report of criminal wrongdoing that was blocked from being released to the public when Scott Pruitt was Attorney General.

HHS’ Removal of Women’s Health Information from Website
American Oversight and Sunlight Foundation v. HHS (19-659)

American Oversight and the Sunlight Foundation’s lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services to shed light on why the agency removed information about lesbian and bisexual women’s health, as well as breast cancer, from an HHS website.

Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections
 American Oversight v. EAC (20-633)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for guidances, directives, or decision memoranda relating to foreign interference in U.S. elections. This lawsuit also seeks the communications—including emails, text messages, and calendar entries—of high-level EAC officials concerning the issue of foreign interference, as well officials’ communications with specific external individuals and groups.

Department of Education Leadership Calendars and Communications
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Education (17-1247)

American Oversight is suing for documents, calendars, and communications from top Department of Education officials—including Secretary Betsy DeVos—to see how they spend their time and who they meet with. The suit also asks for calendars, recusals, and communications regarding Taylor Hansen and Robert Eitel, former for-profit education industry insiders now employed by the agency. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into industry influence at the Department of Education.

Steven Menashi’s Communications and Ethics Documents
American Oversight v. Ed (19-3029)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Education for Steven Menashi’s communications with right-wing groups and with Stephen Miller and other White House officials, and for correspondence specific to the issue of immigration and undocumented students. American Oversight is also seeking records relating to Menashi’s ethics pledge and potential conflicts of interest.

Leveraged Loan Regulation Communications
 American Oversight v. Treasury (20-691)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of the Treasury for communications with key individuals in Congress, various trade associations, or financial institutions — such as Goldman Sachs, J.P Morgan, and Bank of America — regarding leveraged loan regulations.

Investigating the Roll Back of Overtime and Fiduciary Rules
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Labor (17-2199)

American Oversight is suing for records related the Trump administration’s attempts to roll back two regulations that would protect workers and consumers: the Overtime Rule, which would expand the number of employees eligible for overtime pay; and the Conflict of Interest Rule, which would require financial advisors to act in their investors’ best interests.

Agriculture Influence on School Lunches
American Oversight v. USDA (19-652)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture to force the release of documents that might reveal industry influence over the decision to weaken nutritional standards for school lunches.

Carson Family Influence at HUD
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (18-512)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over communications from Secretary Ben Carson, his wife and son, and senior political appointees including Lynne Patton. Carson’s family members, particularly his son, have played an active role in HUD’s business; Carson Jr. has given his business contacts unprecedented access to the secretary and the department.

Solicitor General’s Ethics Records
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice (17-848)

American Oversight is suing to obtain records related to Solicitor General Noel Francisco’s participation in the defense of President Trump’s “Muslim ban” after Francisco’s former law firm became involved in the case to determine whether he properly navigated potential ethics conflicts. This suit is part of an investigation into President Trump’s political appointees.

The Sale of Starrett City
American Oversight v. HUD (19-1255)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development seeking communications between HUD political appointees, including Carson and Region II Administrator Lynne Patton, about the sale of Starrett City. President Trump owned a stake in Starrett City and made a profit from the sale.

Durham Investigation Directives and Guidance
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-2594)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for records of directives and guidance from U.S. Attorney General William Barr to U.S. Attorney John Durham regarding DOJ’s inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation.

Acting Interior Secretary Bernhardt’s Ethical Conflicts
American Oversight v. DOI (19-690)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against Interior seeking records of Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s communications with his former oil and gas industry clients as well as records of his compliance with ethics requirements.

CBP’s Use of the Hashtag #CatchOfTheDay 
American Oversight’s v. DHS and CBP (18-1344, 18-1337)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to shed light on its use of a Twitter hashtag to publicize the arrest of undocumented immigrants. American Oversight also filed a lawsuit against DHS asking for the same information.

Robert Redfield’s Calendars
American Oversight v. HHS and CDC (19-2214)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for calendars of Robert Redfield, director of the CDC.

Steve Bannon and Sean Hannity’s Embassy Communications
American Oversight v. State (19-0417)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the State Department to obtain communications that Steve Bannon and Sean Hannity had with U.S. diplomats in Europe, including Richard Grenell, who was reportedly a top candidate to be the next UN ambassador.

Steven Law DOT Correspondence
Restore Public Trust v. DOT (19-2941)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight on behalf of Restore Public Trust against the Department of Transportation (DOT) for records of correspondence between American Crossroads CEO Steven Law and DOT officials, including calendars, call logs, and meeting agendas.

Defense Secretary Shanahan’s Boeing Conflicts
American Oversight v. DOD (19-0618)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Defense to shed light on whether Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan’s ties to Boeing have given the company undue influence at the agency.

Mexico Border Wall Construction and Impact
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al. (17-1187)

American Oversight is suing the Departments of Homeland Security, the Department of the Interior, and the Office of Management and Budget to obtain documents, communications, and plans related to President Trump’s proposed border wall’s construction and potential impact on landowners, the environment, and national security. This suit is part of the Audit the Wall investigation.

Betsy DeVos’ Personal Emails
American Oversight v. ED (19-2119)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Education seeking emails concerning agency business sent by Secretary Betsy DeVos using a personal account. This complaint was initially filed on July 17, 2019, and amended on August 28, 2019, in light of an inspector general report that found that DeVos had used four separate personal email accounts for government work.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s Use of Military Transport
American Oversight v. Treasury (19-2308)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of the Treasury to shed light on communications between Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner regarding the use of military transport.

DOJ’s Reversal of Positions under the Trump Administration
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice (18-355)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) for communications and other records related to 22 cases in which DOJ reversed its previous position after the Trump administration took office. The suit seeks the release of communications between Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and counsel for the other parties in those cases. This suit is part of a larger investigationinto the politicization of the Department of Justice.

The Trump Administration’s Hurricane Response Efforts
American Oversight v. DHS (18-2470)

Lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security seeking records detailing the failed preparation and response efforts surrounding hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017.

Outside Influence on Federal Housing Policy
American Oversight v. HUD and FHFA (19-2376)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency for records reflecting communications with Tom Barrack, Richard LeFrak, and Steven Roth — New York real estate developers and known associates of the Trump family.

Reversal of Wire Act Prohibitions
American Oversight v. DOJ (19-877)

American Oversight’s lawsuit against DOJ to investigate the administration’s reversal of a 2011 Office of Legal Counsel opinion that limited Wire Act prohibitions to sports betting, and whether the decision was made to benefit Trump donor Sheldon Adelson.

Scott Pruitt and Nino Perrotta Spending Records
American Oversight v. EPA (18-893)

American Oversight is suing EPA seeking records of waivers authorizing Pruitt and Perrotta to spend taxpayer funds on first class plane tickets; records related to the acquisition of a new vehicle to transport Pruitt; and records of any communications between Perrotta and his business partner, Edwin Steinmetz.

DHS’ Actual Border Security Plan
American Oversight and ACLU Massachusetts v. DHS (19-10916)

American Oversight and the ACLU of Massachusetts sued the Department of Homeland Security to compel the release of a border security plan submitted to Congress in December 2018.

Changes to the Borrower Defense Rule 
American Oversight v. Education (18-2582)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against the Department of Education to shed light on the agency’s decision to cut back on debt relief for defrauded student borrowers.

Secretary Zinke’s Offshore Drilling Plan:
American Oversight v. DOI (18-1216)

American Oversight is suing the Department of the Interior (DOI) to shed light on its decision to exempt Florida from its offshore drilling plan. American Oversight’s suit seeks emails and other records related to offshore drilling in 14 coastal states including Florida.

The President’s Emoluments Violations
American Oversight v. State and DOJ (19-1286) 

American Oversight’s lawsuit against the State and Justice Departments for records related to President Donald Trump’s potential violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clause, specifically the leasing of a Trump property to multiple foreign governments.

Old Post Office Funding During the 35-Day Government Shutdown
American Oversight v. GSA (19-288)

Lawsuit filed against General Services Administration and the National Park Service to shed light on the decision to use federal funding to re-open the Old Post Office Tower, which sits on Trump hotel property, during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Hensarling Office Communications with CFPB
American Oversight v. CFPB (19-165)

Lawsuit filed by American Oversight against CFPB to force the release of records containing communications between Representative Hensarling’s office and CFPB.

HHS Communications with Anti-Abortion Rights Groups
Equity Forward v. HHS (18-1055)

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Equity Forward against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records reflecting communications between key agency officials and specific anti-abortion rights groups, such as Americans United for Life and the Susan B. Anthony List. This complaint also seeks communications with particular members of Congress and their staff regarding reproductive health rights.

Trump Administration Appointee Resumes and Job Titles – Updated
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs et.al. (18-656)

American Oversight is suing 18 agencies to force the release of resumes for political appointees across the Trump administration. This is the second lawsuit that American Oversight has filed seeking appointee resumes. FOIA requests included in this complaint cover appointees who joined the administration in the time period follow the first sets of resumes we obtained in 2017.

Seema Verma’s Recusals and Potential Conflicts of Interest
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (18-549)

American Oversight is suing HHS and CMS to determine if CMS Administrator Seema Verma has complied with the terms of her recusal agreements regarding her former consulting clients.

Political Appointee Pledges
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (18-146)

American Oversight is suing to determine whether political appointees at the Department of Health and Human Services are required to take any partisan oaths or pledges prior to employment.

Trump Administration’s Transgender Military Ban
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Defense et al. (17-2707)

American Oversight is suing the Department of Defense for records of any recommendations or analysis provided by senior military and DOD officials to the White House regarding a ban on transgender individuals in the military prior to President Trump’s July 2017 tweeted announcement of the ban. The lawsuit also seeks communications among upper-level military personnel immediately following the president’s unexpected tweets.

Scott Pruitt’s Office Renovation Expenses
American Oversight v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (17-2599)

American Oversight is suing the EPA for records demonstrating how much Administrator Scott Pruitt has spent or intends to spend on renovating his office. News reports have indicated that Pruitt has spent more than $25,000 on a secure phone booth and at least $6,000 installing biometric locks in his office.

EPA Leadership Calendars and Communications
American Oversight v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (17-1261)

American Oversight is suing for documents, calendars, and communications from top Environmental Protection Agency officials—including Administrator Scott Pruitt—to see how they spend their time and who they meet with. In particular, the suit seeks communications with investor and former White House advisor Carl Icahn, who may have used his role to advocate for regulatory changes benefitting him financially. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into Scott Pruitt’s mismanagement of the EPA.

Scott Lloyd Communications About Pregnant Minors
Equity Forward v. HHS (19-942) 

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Equity Forward against Health and Human Services seeking Scott Lloyd’s communications, spreadsheets, or summaries regarding pregnant unaccompanied minors in detention centers.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Records Regarding Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh
Lambda Legal v. HHS (18-2130)

Lawsuit and Temporary Restraining Order filed on behalf of Lambda Legal seeking records from HHS related to Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh.

LGBTQ Issues and Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh
Lambda Legal v. OMB (18-2073)

American Oversight’s lawsuit on behalf of Lambda Legal, who is seeking records from Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh’s time during the Bush administration working on LGBTQ-related issues.

Navient Student Loan Provider Lawsuit Against CFPB
National Student Legal Defense Network v. ED (18-1803)

Lawsuit on behalf of The National Student Legal Defense Network (NSLDN) against the Department of Education (ED) to shed light on its role in aiding Navient, a giant servicer of federal student loans, to defend an enforcement action brought by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in federal court.

Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh’s Time in Government
Fix the Court v. NARA and DOJ (18-1620, 18-1621)

American Oversight’s lawsuit representing Fix the Court asks DOJ for correspondence between the Office of Legal Counsel and Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh during the years he worked in the White House. A second lawsuit is asking NARA to records related to Kavanaugh’s time working for Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr to shed light on his time in government before the Senate confirmation vote.

DOJ’s Secret Carter Page Surveillance Warrants
American Oversight and Dominique Bravo v. U.S. Department of Justice (18-1414)

American Oversight and Dominique Bravo are suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the release of secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant applications—which established that an individual associated with the Trump campaign was engaged in a crime or was a foreign agent—that DOJ filed to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign staffer Carter Page.

The Leak of the Strzok-Page Text Messages
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice (18-224)

American Oversight is suing for the release of text messages exchanged between Department of Justice employees Peter Strzok and Lisa Page along with records relating to the decision by senior DOJ officials to share the messages with reporters. This suit is part of a larger investigation into the politicization of the Department of Justice.

Investigating the Politicization of Criminal and Security Investigations
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice (18-166)

American Oversight is suing for records that indicate the extent to which senior political appointees—including those in the Office of the Attorney General—are inappropriately steering criminal and national security investigations. This suit is part of a larger investigation into the politicization of the Department of Justice.

MyPillow’s Federal Contract
American Oversight v. U.S. General Services Administration (18-160)

American Oversight is suing for records to explain why the General Services Administration (GSA) abruptly modified MyPillow’s government contract just a few days after President Trump endorsed the company’s product at a White House roundtable. The CEO of MyPillow, a pillow manufacturing company, had previously donated a significant amount of money to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee.

Student Loan Provider Abuses
National Student Legal Defense Network v. ED  (18-1464)

American Oversight filed a lawsuit on behalf of The National Student Legal Defense Network (NSLDN), who sued ED to obtain communications regarding the administration’s attempt to block states from using consumer protection laws to crack down on abuses by student loan servicers.

Mexico Border Wall Payments
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of State (17-2246)

American Oversight is suing for documents and communications with Mexico regarding funding for President Trump’s proposed border wall, including any requests to the Mexican government for payment or reimbursement. This suit is part of the Audit the Wall investigation.

Management of Housing and Urban Development
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (17-2093)

American Oversight is suing to enforce four Freedom of Information Act requests seeking: records of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson’s son, Ben Carson, Jr., and his company’s presence in the department; communications between senior officials and President Trump’s nephew, Fred Trump III, a real estate developer who may have a financial interest in the department’s work; decision memos and policies approved by Secretary Carson; and communications about Freedom of Information Act requests by political appointees.

Disclosing Public Records Sent Between Congress and Agencies
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of the Treasury (17-1622)

American Oversight is suing to force the release of communications between the Treasury Department and the House Financial Services Committee. The suit challenges Committee Chairman Hensarling’s assertion that communications between the Committee and federal agencies are not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into the government’s shielding of public records.

Western Values Project: Lola Zinke’s Role at Interior
Western Values Project v. U.S. Department of the Interior (17-2070)

American Oversight is representing Western Values Project in a suit seeking to uncover records showing the role that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s wife, Lola Zinke, plays at the department, including her use of tax-payer funded travel. This suit is part of an investigation into Secretary Zinke’s management of Interior.

FBI’s Advice to Sessions on Clearance Form
People for the American Way v. U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation (17-1865)

American Oversight represented People for the American Way in a suit to enforce their request for all records relating to instructions given by the FBI to Attorney General Sessions regarding which contacts with foreign individual to list on his security clearance application. This suit followed American Oversight’s investigation, which uncovered proof that Sessions had omitted his foreign contacts from the SF-86 clearance application.

The case was voluntarily dismissed by all parties following the FBI’s production of a single email indicating that an agency employee did not recall providing Attorney General Sessions advice on omitting foreign contacts.

Trump International Hotel Lease Records
American Oversight v. U.S. General Services Administration (17-1267)

American Oversight is suing for communications and documents to better understand the conflicts of interest raised by the president’s ownership of the Trump International Hotel. The General Services Administration has failed to explain why President Trump’s ownership does not violate his lease on the government-owned building, which explicitly prohibits elected officials from profiting. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into ways the president and his family are profiting from the presidency.

Telecom Industry Role in Net Neutrality Discussions
American Oversight v. Federal Communications Commission (17-1492)

American Oversight sued for records and communications showing the telecommunications industry’s influence on the FCC’s decision to roll back net neutrality protections. This suit was part of American Oversight’s investigation into the administration’s move to undo net neutrality.

Investigating EPA’s Acceptance of Toxic Pesticides
American Oversight v. Environmental Protection Agency (17-1227)

American Oversight sued for the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s communications with Congress and outside entities about the agency’s decision to overrule the recommendations of its science advisers and allow the use of the harmful pesticide chlorpyrifos. This suit was part of American Oversight’s investigation into Scott Pruitt’s mismanagement of the EPA.

Trump’s Appointees and Agency Leadership
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of the Interior et al. (17-958)

American Oversight sued eight federal agencies to force the release of the names of all employees appointed by President Trump, all employees in leadership offices, and all members of the “beachhead” and transition teams, and resumes and ethics waivers for those individuals. This suit was part of an investigation into President Trump’s political appointees.

Communications Between Ivanka Trump and Agencies
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Commerce et al. (17-920)

American Oversight is sued five agencies to obtain emails between the departments and Ivanka Trump prior to her formal employment as a federal official. The suit aimed to clarify the nature of Ms. Trump’s role, and was part of our investigation into Ms. Trump and Jared Kushner’s roles in the White House. This lawsuit triggered an investigation by the White House Counsel’s office which ultimately determined that Ms. Trump used private email while working in the White House on hundreds of occasions.

Sessions’ Clearance Form and Priebus’ FBI Interference
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation (17-727)

American Oversight sued for the release of the page of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ security clearance application on which he failed to disclose his Russian contacts, and for records of former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus’ interference at the FBI. This suit is part of American Oversight’s investigation into Russian interference in the American political process and the administration’s response.

Investigating Trump’s Wiretapping Claim
American Oversight v. U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigations (17-718)

American Oversight sued for any records and communications related to President Trump’s assertion that he was wiretapped by former President Barack Obama. This suit was part of American Oversight’s investigation into Russian interference in the American political process and the administration’s response.