Overview
- President Trump's executive orders have targeted five major law firms, including WilmerHale and Jenner & Block, citing their ties to his political adversaries and alleged partisan activities.
- WilmerHale and Jenner & Block filed lawsuits on March 28, 2025, arguing that the orders are unconstitutional and retaliatory, violating First Amendment rights and judicial independence.
- The executive orders suspend security clearances, restrict access to federal buildings, and terminate government contracts for the targeted firms, significantly disrupting their operations.
- Legal experts and organizations, including the American Bar Association, have condemned the orders, warning they threaten the rule of law and create a chilling effect on the legal profession.
- Trump has defended the actions as necessary to combat the 'weaponization' of the legal system and has indicated plans to target additional law firms in the future.