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L.C. v. Trump

No. 1:26-cv-00688 District · Active Active
Court
D.D.C.
dcd
Judge
Richard J. Leon 43
Filed
Feb 25, 2026
Judge (CL)
Richard J. Leon 43
Filed (CL)
Feb 25, 2026
CL Status
active

Case Overview

Massimiliano Cali sued the Trump administration over the designation of her wide Francesca Albanese as a Specially Designated National due to her position as the “Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967" which she was appointed to by the UNHRC.


The Application

History

The plaintiff challenges whether Albanese's appointment as a UN human rights official and her advocacy on Palestinian rights constitute sufficient legal grounds for SDN status, and whether the designation violates procedural due process and First Amendment protections.

The Conclusion

The case is active before Judge Richard J. Leon in the D.C. District Court, with the validity of the SDN designation pending judicial review.

Federal Court TMR-3ae7d417 Specially Designated National Designation Jul 16, 2026

Case Analysis

Overview

Massimiliano Cali sued the Trump administration over the designation of her wide Francesca Albanese as a Specially Designated National due to her position as the “Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967" which she was appointed to by the UNHRC.

Issue

Whether the Trump administration lawfully designated UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese as a Specially Designated National based on her official position and human rights advocacy regarding the Palestinian Territory.

Rule

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes SDN designations, but designations must satisfy due process requirements and cannot target individuals solely for protected speech or official UN positions absent nexus to terrorism, sanctions evasion, or other enumerated grounds.

Analysis

The plaintiff challenges whether Albanese's appointment as a UN human rights official and her advocacy on Palestinian rights constitute sufficient legal grounds for SDN status, and whether the designation violates procedural due process and First Amendment protections.

Conclusion

The case is active before Judge Richard J. Leon in the D.C. District Court, with the validity of the SDN designation pending judicial review.

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