Federal Judges Previously Ruled Orders Unconstitutional
A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments Thursday over executive orders issued by Donald Trump that targeted four major law firms tied to his political opponents.
The cases involve Perkins Coie, Susman Godfrey, WilmerHale and Jenner & Block.
Four separate federal judges blocked the orders, ruling the measures likely violated the Constitution. Some judges compared the administration’s actions to tactics used during the McCarthy-era “Red Scare.”
Orders Sought Restrictions on Law Firms
The executive orders aimed to limit the firms’ access to federal buildings, suspend security clearances and reduce government interactions with attorneys connected to the firms.
Lawyers for the firms argued the penalties would severely damage their businesses and intimidate legal organizations representing political opponents of the White House.
The U.S. Department of Justice defended the orders, arguing the president has authority to address national security and discrimination concerns involving firms working with the federal government.
DOJ Reversed Course on Appeal
In March, the Justice Department briefly moved to withdraw its appeal before reversing course less than a day later and continuing the legal fight.
Meanwhile, several other large law firms reportedly reached agreements with the Trump administration to provide nearly $1 billion in pro bono legal services supporting White House-backed causes in exchange for avoiding similar executive actions.
The appeals court’s decision could shape the limits of presidential power over private law firms and government access.
For more on the impending appeals court decision, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.