Leonie M. Brinkema

Rule Changes

Presiding over Google ad tech antitrust case

A federal judge ruled on September 2, 2026, that Google can keep its advertising exchange and ad server. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia rejected the Justice Department's request to force a breakup, instead ordering changes to how Google runs its ad technology business—most of the behavioral remedies the two sides proposed.

Updated 7 days ago

Rule Changes

Issued the temporary restraining order freezing the fund

The Trump administration dropped its $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund on June 1, less than two weeks after creating it. Three forces killed it: a court freeze in Alexandria, a Senate Republican revolt that stalled the reconciliation bill, and a meeting between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump. No claims were ever paid.

Updated Jun 2

Rule Changes

Will oversee remand proceedings and decide whether discovery begins

Immigration judges say the Justice Department has effectively muzzled them: speak publicly about immigration and you need permission, and what you say can be steered into "agency talking points." The Trump administration's response has been procedural. You don't get federal court—go through the civil-service machinery first.

Updated May 15