The Department of Justice (DOJ) has lodged a formal complaint against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, citing potential bias and misconduct during a case involving the Trump administration's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The complaint, submitted to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, alleges that Judge Reyes exhibited inappropriate behavior and potential prejudice during the proceedings of Nicolas Talbott v. Donald J. Trump, a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups challenging the ban.

The DOJ's complaint details several instances where Judge Reyes' conduct raised concerns. One such instance involved a line of questioning where she asked the DOJ attorney about their interpretation of Jesus' stance on denying homeless shelter access to certain groups. The DOJ argued that this questioning was inappropriate and put their counsel in a difficult position.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes pictured with a group of protesters (Getty Images / YouTube / SenatorDurbin)

In another instance, Judge Reyes reportedly enacted a hypothetical scenario where she banned graduates of the University of Virginia School of Law from her courtroom, labeling them as "liars" lacking integrity. The DOJ complaint states that Judge Reyes used the DOJ attorney as a "physical prop" in this scenario, further contributing to the perception of impropriety.

President Donald Trump in an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier. (Fox News / Special Report)

The complaint also references Judge Reyes' recounting of various executive orders signed by President Trump, including those related to gender identity and transgender rights. The DOJ contends that this recitation, combined with the other alleged instances of misconduct, suggests potential bias against the Trump administration's position in the case.

The Department of Justice seal. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Despite these allegations, the complaint also notes moments where Judge Reyes praised the DOJ attorney's performance. However, the DOJ ultimately requests an investigation into the alleged misconduct, suggesting that these incidents might represent a broader pattern requiring further action. While U.S. District Court judges are appointed for life, Chief Judge Srinivasan could potentially issue a reprimand or suggest recusal.