Federal Judge with Democratic Ties Blocks Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

Federal Judge with Democratic History Blocks Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

FIRST ON FOX: A federal judge’s recent decision to block President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender troops from serving in the military has garnered attention due to her long-standing affiliations with the Democratic Party, notably her volunteer work for Joe Biden and substantial donations to various Democratic campaigns.

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes, appointed by Biden and recognized as the first openly gay federal judge in Washington D.C., revealed her political engagements in her Senate questionnaire during the confirmation process. She noted that she provided limited legal assistance addressing potential election law issues for Biden’s 2020 campaign.

Since 2008, Reyes has contributed over $38,000 to Democratic initiatives, a figure that includes support for ActBlue, the campaign of Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, and maximum contributions to Biden’s presidential campaign in 2020, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Involvement with Democratic Campaigns and Super PACs

Furthermore, Reyes has frequently contributed to Defeat By Tweet, a super PAC aligned with the Democrats that financially aids groups in swing states whenever President Trump posts on social media. This organization currently has its website inactive but claims to be reallocating resources to Black Church PAC, known for its support of defunding the police and reportedly receiving significant funds from the Kamala Harris presidential campaign.

Born in Uruguay, Reyes immigrated to the United States with her family during her childhood. Throughout her career as a lawyer, she demonstrated commitment to various social justice causes, notably representing illegal immigrants.

Acknowledgment of Activism and Recognition

During her acceptance speech for the 2017 Woman Lawyer of the Year award from the Woman’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia, Reyes expressed pride in representing asylum seekers. She thanked colleagues from the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasizing her dedication to championing the rights of refugees in America.

Reyes also discussed her past as a board member for the Feminist Majority Foundation during her Senate questionnaire, although her name currently does not appear on the organization’s website. This organization has a history of advocating for women’s equality and has previously labeled abortion as a necessity, positioning itself against legislation perceived to limit transgender individuals’ rights, including the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

Progressive Activism and Judicial Rulings

Reyes’s progressive activism raises questions about potential biases; however, she has at times sided with Trump. For example, she openly criticized Biden’s Justice Department after officials failed to appear in court for depositions related to Republican impeachment efforts against Biden. Reyes deemed the absence an attack on democratic principles when former IRS consultant leaked Trump’s tax returns.

In her judicial role, Reyes has challenged the Trump administration on various matters, displaying a critical stance towards certain actions taken by the former president. Earlier this year, she took issue with the firing of inspectors general during Trump’s tenure, expressing confusion as to the legal strategy followed by their counsel.

The Ruling on Trump’s Executive Order

Currently, Reyes is at the center of controversy due to her ruling against a January 27 executive order signed by Trump. This order required the Department of Defense to revise its guidelines pertaining to transgender medical standards for military service and to revoke any guidance deemed inconsistent with military readiness.

Issuing a preliminary injunction, Reyes questioned the justification for the executive order and demanded clarification on whether it constituted a ban on transgender individuals. Her ruling emphasized the notion that false gender identity cannot meet the rigorous standards for military service.

The Significance of Her Judicial Approach

In her comprehensive 79-page ruling, Reyes referenced cultural materials to support her decision, notably quoting Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “Hamilton”. She highlighted the historical significance of women’s voting rights established by the Nineteenth Amendment, asserting that transgender individuals serve to protect those rights as members of the military.

Reyes’s perspective reflects a nuanced view of transgender rights and military service, intertwining legal principles with cultural narratives that resonate with broader societal values of equity and inclusion.

As the debate over transgender rights and military service continues, Judge Ana C. Reyes symbolizes a judicial approach that integrates personal history, activism, and a commitment to constitutional rights, challenging the boundaries of legal interpretation in contemporary social issues.

Contributors to this report include Breanne Deppisch, Stephen Sorace, and Emma Woodhead from Fox News Digital.