Rhode Island Judge Refers DOJ Lawyers Over Transgender Care Subpoena Tactics
Rhode Island Judge Mary McElroy on June 5, 2026, referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline over their handling of a subpoena seeking records on transgender minors.[1]
She said the lawyers misled her court and a federal judge in Texas.[1] McElroy called a declaration by DOJ lawyer Lisa Hsiao "clearly misleading, if not utterly false." CBS News
On May 14, 2026, McElroy quashed a DOJ administrative subpoena that sought years of records on every minor transgender patient at Rhode Island Hospital.[1] A Northern District of Texas judge in late April 2026 ordered Rhode Island Hospital to comply with the subpoena, and the hospital has appealed that ruling.[1]
DOJ's Civil Division issued a statement rejecting McElroy's allegations and saying its attorneys did not misrepresent facts or withhold information.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 14, 2026, Judge Mary McElroy quashed a DOJ administrative subpoena seeking years of records on every minor transgender patient at Rhode Island Hospital.
- On June 5, 2026, McElroy referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline, alleging they misled her court and a Texas federal court.
- McElroy criticized a declaration by DOJ lawyer Lisa Hsiao to a Fort Worth judge as "clearly misleading, if not utterly false" regarding the hospital’s cooperation.
- A Northern District of Texas judge in late April 2026 ordered Rhode Island Hospital to comply with the subpoena; the hospital has appealed that ruling.
- DOJ’s Civil Division issued a statement rejecting McElroy’s allegations, asserting its attorneys did not misrepresent facts or withhold information.
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