Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
FIRST ON FOX: A federal judge has intervened by halting President Trump’s executive order aimed at prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military. The judge, Ana C. Reyes, has a notable history of support for the Democratic Party, having volunteered for Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and contributed significant funds to various Democratic initiatives.
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes, who is also recognized as the first openly gay federal judge in Washington D.C., disclosed in her Senate confirmation questionnaire that she provided limited legal assistance during Biden’s candidacy, particularly concerning potential election law challenges.
Since taking her position in February 2023, Reyes has shown continued financial support for Democratic causes, amassing over $38,000 in contributions since 2008. Her donations include support for organizations such as ActBlue, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff’s campaign, and a maximum contribution to Biden’s 2020 presidential bid, as detailed in FEC records.
Additionally, Reyes has been involved with Defeat By Tweet, a super PAC that backs progressive causes, which reportedly generates funds for liberal groups in pivotal states based on President Trump’s social media activity.
CHECKS AND BALANCES: TRUMP, SUPPORTERS SEEK TO PUSH BACK AGAINST ‘ACTIVIST’ JUDGES
President Donald Trump is facing challenges regarding the ruling from Judge Reyes, who has expressed a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. Having immigrated from Uruguay as a child, she has a background in defending the rights of undocumented immigrants during her tenure as an attorney.
In her 2017 acceptance speech for the Woman Lawyer of the Year award, Reyes expressed her honor in representing asylum seekers and acknowledged the efforts of those working alongside her to protect refugee rights. She noted the privilege of fighting for such causes, particularly through her associations with organizations like the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies.
NEW BILL THREATENS TO CRIPPLE ‘JUDICIAL TYRANNY’ FROM DERAILING TRUMP’S AGENDA AT EVERY TURN
During her time with the Feminist Majority Foundation, Reyes helped promote women’s rights and reproductive health issues. Although her current affiliation with the organization is unclear, she was listed as a board member from 2014 until 2023, according to her Senate questionnaire.
The Feminist Majority Foundation has made headlines for its stances on abortion and has criticized legislative measures such as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which seeks to restrict transgender women from participating in women’s sports.
In addition to her advocacy work, Reyes has been open about her progressive views. She participated in a 2021 panel on addressing microaggressions and has expressed concern regarding perceived attacks on constitutional democracy, particularly when sensitive information regarding President Trump’s tax returns was disclosed.
Currently, Reyes is dealing with the implications of Trump’s January 27 executive order that seeks to revisit military guidance on transgender service members. During recent discussions, Reyes probed the administration’s rationale behind the order and whether it represented a broader attempt to frame transgender identity in a derogatory light.
Reyes issued a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of Trump’s directive, emphasizing that military readiness should not be compromised by outdated notions of gender identity. In her extensive ruling, she drew on historical references, including the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment, to highlight the ongoing struggle for rights that many transgender individuals work to protect.
Source
www.foxnews.com