Overview

• Judge Beryl Howell denied the Trump administration's motion to disqualify her from overseeing the Perkins Coie case, calling the request unfounded and an attack on judicial integrity.
• The case challenges a March 6 executive order by President Trump targeting Perkins Coie, citing its ties to Hillary Clinton and the Steele dossier.
• Howell previously issued a temporary restraining order blocking parts of the executive order, which restricted the firm's federal contracts and security clearances.
• In her ruling, Howell accused the Justice Department of using ad hominem attacks to undermine the judiciary and deflect from weak legal arguments.
• Broader concerns about judicial independence have been raised, with Chief Justice John Roberts and the American Bar Association condemning efforts to intimidate judges.