Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Executive Order Against Perkins Coie
A U.S. District Judge has issued a ruling blocking an executive order by former President Donald Trump aimed at penalizing the law firm Perkins Coie.
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell has blocked the enforcement of an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump that sought to penalize the law firm Perkins Coie. The order, which would have stripped the firm’s employees of their security clearances and banned them from government buildings, was deemed unconstitutional and a violation of due process by the court.
The ruling came swiftly after Perkins Coie filed for an emergency restraining order, arguing that the executive action would effectively cripple their business operations. During the hearing, Judge Howell expressed concerns about the broad powers the order would grant the executive, stating, “That’s pretty extraordinary power for the president to exercise.”
Perkins Coie, known for representing Democratic causes and candidates, including Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, argued that the order was a direct attack on their freedom of speech and association. The firm’s attorneys emphasized the life-threatening impact the order could have on their business, with potential client withdrawals already affecting their revenue.
The Trump administration’s move was represented in court by Chad Mizelle, chief of staff to then-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The executive order titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP” accused the firm of undermining democratic elections and engaging in racially discriminatory practices through its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
This is not the first instance of the Trump administration targeting law firms perceived as adversaries. Earlier actions included restrictions against Covington & Burling, linked to former special counsel Jack Smith.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment on the ruling, which marks a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over the limits of executive power and its impact on legal and political adversaries.