DOJ Accuses Federal Judge of Misconduct in Transgender Troop Ban Case

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a complaint against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, saying that she was not fair during meetings about President Trump's order that transgender people can't serve in the military. Chad Mizelle, the chief of staff to Attorney General Pam Bondi, filed the complaint. It says that Reyes asked a government lawyer about his religious views in an inappropriate way and used a rhetorical exercise to "embarrass" him.

The complaint came after Reyes asked tough questions at a hearing and compared the government's position to not letting law school graduates into her courtroom because of worries about their honesty. In another conversation, she pushed the government lawyer by asking what "Jesus would say" about keeping some people out of shelters for the poor. Reyes, who is known for being direct, has scolded a former U.S. Solicitor General before in a case that was not connected to this one.

The Justice Department wants a review because they say Reyes' actions make people less likely to trust an impartial justice system. The lawsuit adds to the ongoing problems between the Trump administration and the courts. White House officials have been criticizing judges more and more for not following their rules. The president chose Reyes to be the judge, and he or she should make a decision by early March about the temporary block of Trump's order. Six transgender service members and two people who want to join the military are still in court, arguing that the policy is unfair and against the Constitution.

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