DOJ Files Misconduct Complaint Against Judge Overseeing Challenge to Transgender Military Ban

DOJ chief of staff Chad Mizelle has requested that appropriate action be taken to address the judge’s alleged violations.

Ana Reyes, nominee for district court judge in Washington, testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on June 22, 2022. Sarah Silbiger/File Photo /Reuters

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) on Feb. 21 filed a misconduct complaint against a federal judge in Washington over potential bias during hearings on a legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning people who identify as transgender from serving in the military.

The complaint, filed by DOJ chief of staff Chad Mizelle, alleged that U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes engaged in “hostile and egregious misconduct” and violated the judicial code of conduct when she treated a department lawyer with disrespect during a two-day hearing in the case.