Trump Forced to Retreat After Courts Crush His Law Firm Orders
President Donald Trump signed executive orders targeting Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey, and Jenner & Block. He revoked their security clearances, government contracts, and building access. The firms had represented Democrats and lawyers linked to Robert Mueller’s investigation.
Some major firms, including Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps, gave in to pressure. They agreed to provide tens of millions in pro bono work for Trump-backed causes and remove DEI policies. Their decision caused backlash from alumni and many in the legal community.
While others surrendered, Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey, and Jenner & Block challenged the executive orders in federal court. They argued the orders violated clients’ constitutional right to choose their own lawyers and damaged the rule of law.
Federal judges unanimously ruled against Trump’s orders. Judge Beryl Howell called the action against Perkins Coie an “unprecedented attack” in a May ruling. Every court that reviewed the case found the orders unconstitutional and against core constitutional principles.
On Monday, the Justice Department dropped all suits against the firms, accepting the unanimous court decisions. First reported by Wall Street Journal, the move made the judges’ rulings permanent and confirmed the executive orders were unconstitutional.
The firms that fought celebrated their victory. WilmerHale said key principles were “vindicated.” Vanita Gupta praised firms with “ethical courage,” while Rep. Jamie Raskin commended them for forcing Trump to abandon his “blatantly unconstitutional” effort.
