Trump Targets Law Firm with Executive Order Amid Legal Battles

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at Jenner & Block, a law firm that has represented clients opposing some of his key policies and once employed a federal prosecutor from the special counsel investigation into his 2016 campaign.

In a move reminiscent of past orders against firms like Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss, Trump’s executive order suspends security clearances for Jenner & Block lawyers and limits their access to government facilities, officials, and contracts. The president’s actions stem from his ongoing grievances regarding alleged partisan efforts to undermine his administration.

“Jenner & Block is a prime example of the weaponization of the legal system against American principles and values,” said White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf, explaining the rationale behind the recent order.

Jenner & Block responded in a statement, arguing that the order closely resembles one previously deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. “We remain focused on serving and safeguarding our clients’ interests with the dedication, integrity, and expertise that has defined our firm for more than one hundred years and will pursue all appropriate remedies,” the firm stated.

This order marks the fourth time Trump has targeted prominent U.S. law firms. The executive order has spurred Paul Weiss to negotiate an exit from its association with the administration. In a letter to staff, Chairman Brad Karp outlined the potential consequences, stating, “The order could easily have destroyed our firm.”

Since resuming office in January, Trump has faced legal challenges that include cases where Jenner & Block has represented clients against his directives. For instance, the firm succeeded in blocking a Trump executive order that aimed to stop federal funding for healthcare providers offering gender transition treatments to individuals under 19 years old.

Additionally, Jenner & Block is part of a legal team representing immigrant rights groups against Trump’s measures to restrict asylum rights. The firm is also engaged in litigation with an environmental group suing the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly freezing grant funds.

Notably, Jenner & Block employs several former officials from Democratic administrations, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Andrew Weissmann, who worked at the firm from 2006 to 2011 and rejoined in 2020, was a critical figure on the Mueller prosecution team. Weissmann did not respond to a comment request.

Meanwhile, Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration earlier this month, charging that Trump overstepped his authority. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington ruled on March 12 that parts of Trump’s order against Perkins Coie likely infringed on the firm’s rights.

“I am sure many in the legal profession are watching in horror about what Perkins Coie is going through here,” Howell remarked regarding the case.

This latest executive order has heightened concerns about the implications for legal representation. Trump reportedly intends to propose similar measures against lawyers and law firms involved in handling immigration cases or those that have opposed his administration over the last eight years.

Legal experts and bar associations caution that Trump’s actions could threaten the fundamental right of lawyers to represent clients of their choosing. The implications of these executive actions extend beyond Jenner & Block, impacting the legal landscape extensively as Trump continues to navigate a fraught political environment.