Judge Stops Trump Again
Trump’s Bold Move to Hold Liberal Legal Giants Accountable Blocked by Federal Court
In a major legal development, a federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to hold the left-leaning law firm Perkins Coie accountable for its deep political ties and alleged misconduct. The judge ruled the March 6 directive unconstitutional, halting enforcement across all federal agencies.
Perkins Coie’s Democrat Ties at the Center of Controversy
The firm, well-known for its ties to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and its involvement in funding the discredited Steele dossier, was barred under Trump’s order from accessing federal buildings. The order also revoked attorney security clearances and triggered a federal contract review.
Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama-appointed jurist, issued a 102-page opinion calling the executive order a violation of First Amendment protections. In a dramatic flourish, she even quoted Shakespeare’s infamous line: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”
Other Law Firms Quietly Cut Deals to Avoid Trump’s Crackdown
The Trump administration had also targeted firms like WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey, and Jenner & Block—known for representing liberal clients and individuals involved in anti-Trump investigations. Several firms, including Skadden Arps and Paul, Weiss, chose to negotiate quietly with the administration and avoid further legal battles.
A Win for the Political Elite—And a Warning for America?
Perkins Coie sued immediately after the executive order was signed, claiming it violated free speech rights. Judge Howell initially issued a temporary block, followed now by this full ruling in favor of the firm. Legal observers say the decision marks a victory for entrenched legal powerhouses often shielded from public accountability.
In her ruling, Howell argued that punishing law firms for representing certain clients or holding progressive values “suppresses free expression” and violates the Constitution. But critics say the decision undermines the Trump administration’s effort to fight back against political lawfare and hold powerful institutions to account.
Trump Supporters Question Double Standards in the Legal System
To many Americans—especially older voters who remember a time when the law stood for justice—this ruling raises red flags about selective enforcement and political favoritism. As the Biden-aligned legal system shields elite firms from scrutiny, everyday Americans are left asking: Who is really above the law?