The three-judge panel vacated a December 8, 2025 district court order and directed the lower court to end its criminal contempt proceedings entirely. Circuit Judge Rao wrote for the majority, joined by Circuit Judge Walker.
The court stated it was acting "in accordance with the opinion of the court filed herein this date." Circuit Judge Childs filed a dissenting opinion, indicating the panel was divided 2-1 on whether to grant the mandamus petition.
The ruling dissolves an administrative stay that had been in place since December 12, 2025, giving the district court 21 days before the order becomes effective. The court also dismissed as moot both Trump's emergency motion for a stay and the government's request for reassignment of the criminal contempt proceedings.
Circuit Judge Walker filed a separate concurring opinion, while Circuit Judge Childs dissented from the majority's decision to grant the extraordinary relief.
The petition included a request for reassignment of the criminal contempt proceedings, though the court's order does not detail the specific nature of the underlying contempt case.