Overview
- Manhattan Judge Colleen McMahon directed plaintiffs to take down the viral deposition videos after the government reported harassment, including death threats against witness Justin Fox.
- A hearing on the takedown order is set for Tuesday, following the judge’s denial of a request to reconsider the removal.
- Depositions from Justin Fox and Nathan Cavanaugh describe using a brief ChatGPT prompt and keyword sweeps for terms like LGBTQ and BIPOC despite lacking grant or government experience and struggling to define DEI.
- Court filings state that more than 1,400 active NEH grants worth over $100 million were terminated as part of the DOGE effort to target DEI‑related projects.
- Cavanaugh acknowledged sending government files to personal channels, including Signal, and the staffers conceded the cuts did not reduce the federal deficit, with neither expressing regret for lost grantee income.