WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department has dropped its defense of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump that targeted several prominent law firms, following unanimous rulings from federal judges who found the orders unconstitutional.
According to NBC News, the orders sought to restrict security clearances, government contracts and access to federal buildings for firms including Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey and Jenner & Block. The administration had cited the firms’ clients and hiring practices, including ties to Democratic figures and attorneys involved in past investigations of Trump.
Federal judges repeatedly ruled against the orders. In May, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell described the action against Perkins Coie as “an unprecedented attack” on the judicial system.
Some firms, including Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps, negotiated agreements with the administration that involved pro bono commitments and policy changes. Others chose to litigate, and welcomed the Justice Department’s decision to withdraw its defense.
Rep. Jamie Raskin praised the firms that challenged the orders, while former DOJ official Vanita Gupta criticized firms that settled.
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