Trump order targeting another major law firm blocked by judge as unconstitutional retaliation

A federal judge has permanently blocked another executive order from President Donald Trump, targeting a major law firm, citing it as unconstitutional retaliation against lawyers for their legal work that the White House disapproves of. This ruling by U.S. District Judge John Bates is the second time this month that a judge has struck down a Trump executive order against a prominent firm. The decision in favor of Jenner & Block follows a similar opinion that blocked the enforcement of a decree against a different firm, Perkins Coie.

The executive orders sought to impose consequences such as suspending security clearances of attorneys and barring employees from federal buildings. The orders are part of a broader effort by the president to reshape American civil society by targeting perceived adversaries in hopes of extracting concessions and bending them to his will.

Several firms targeted for sanctions have either done legal work opposed by Trump or have associations with prosecutors who investigated the president. In the case of Jenner & Block, the firm previously employed Andrew Weissmann, who was part of Robert Mueller’s team that investigated ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.

Judge Bates expressed concern that the executive orders were retaliating against firms for their legal work and aiming to chill legal representation that the administration does not approve of, thereby undermining the separation of powers. Two other firms, WilmerHale and Susman Godfrey, have also sought to permanently halt orders against them.

In response to these orders, some major firms have reached settlements requiring them to provide free legal services in support of causes the Trump administration approves of. This move aims to avert further executive orders targeting them.

Overall, the judicial rulings highlight the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the independence of legal professionals from political retaliation. It underscores the fundamental principle of the separation of powers and the essential role of the judiciary in checking the actions of the executive branch.