The Justice Department filed a complaint against a federal judge in Washington, accusing her of misconduct during hearings regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban transgender troops from the U.S. military. The complaint alleges that U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes inappropriately questioned a government lawyer about his religious beliefs and made disparaging remarks about graduates of a specific law school, suggesting they lack integrity. The Justice Department seeks an investigation to ensure future hearings maintain dignity and impartiality.

Judge Reyes, nominated by President Joe Biden, has shown skepticism towards the administration’s rationale for the policy change and praised active-duty troops who sued to block the order. The judge’s questioning during the hearings indicated doubts about the administration’s justifications for the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The Trump administration’s order claims that transgender service members’ sexual identity conflicts with military values and readiness requirements, mandating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to issue a revised policy.

The legal battle involves six transgender active-duty service members and two individuals seeking to join the military who sued to block the order, arguing it displays hostility and unconstitutional bias against transgender individuals. The complaint against Judge Reyes is part of the broader criticism by the Republican administration against the judiciary, reflecting ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the courts over key policy decisions.