President Trump strikes back at a firm linked to his legal foes, taking unprecedented action to cut ties with Jenner & Block. The White House is making it clear that firms engaging in what they call “lawfare” against the President will face serious consequences.
At a glance:
• President Trump signed an Executive Order revoking security clearances for law firm Jenner & Block
• The order terminates all government contracts with the firm, which employed former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman
• White House cites “discriminatory practices” and “weaponization of the legal system” as justification
• The firm defended its 110-year history and will challenge the order’s constitutionality
• This follows similar action against Perkins Coie, which was partially blocked by a federal judge
Trump Targets Firm Behind Legal Attacks
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action against another law firm he believes is working against American interests. His latest Executive Order targets Jenner & Block LLP, and revokes security clearances for all members of the firm. It also brings an end to any government contracts with the legal outfit.
The White House justified the move by pointing to the firm’s employment of Andrew Weissman, a former federal prosecutor who served on Robert Mueller’s special counsel team that investigated Trump. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf did not mince words when explaining the reasoning.
“It’s a law firm that’s engaged in invidious, racially and sexually discriminatory practices. It’s also a law firm that has participated in the weaponization of the legal system against American principles and values,” Scharf stated.
Firm’s Controversial Practices Under Fire
The Executive Order specifically called out Jenner & Block for being “thrilled” to rehire Weissman after what Trump insists was an unjustified investigation. Weissman became notorious among Trump supporters for his aggressive tactics during the Mueller probe and has remained a vocal Trump critic since leaving the Justice Department.
According to the order, the organization has supported efforts against the deportation of violent illegal immigrants and refused to accept “the biological reality of sex.”
The firm’s connection to Weissman appears to have been a significant factor in Trump’s decision. The executive order directly criticized his conduct, referring to him as “the unethical Andrew Weissman” who engaged in “partisan prosecution” as part of the Mueller investigation.
Law Firm Pushes Back As Pattern Emerges
Jenner & Block responded to the executive order by defending its long history and signaling it would challenge the action in court. A spokesperson stressed its century-long commitment to client representation.
The new Executive Order follows similar actions against other law firms perceived as hostile to Trump’s agenda. The President previously targeted Perkins Coie LLP, known for its connections to the controversial Steele dossier used during the Russia investigation, but a federal judge temporarily blocked parts of that order after the firm filed suit.
Another firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, avoided executive action by agreeing to review its practices and support Trump administration initiatives.
The White House has made it clear these actions counter the weaponization of the legal system against the President. Critics of the order are likely to challenge its constitutionality, following the pattern established with previous similar actions.
