Trump strips security clearances of law firm over Steele dossier
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President Trump in the Oval Office on March 6. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order suspending security clearances for employees of law firm Perkins Coie, which played a key role in commissioning the Steele dossier on Trump's alleged interactions with Russia.
The big picture: The law firm, one of the largest in the nation, represented Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 and hired the firm that compiled the dossier. While signing the order, Trump accused the company of "weaponization against a political opponent."
- The order also cited the firm's diversity, equity and inclusion policies and alleged "weaponization" of government.
Driving the news: The order will suspend access to certain federal resources for the firm and will launch a review of its DEI practices.
- "This is an absolute honor to sign," Trump said from the Oval Office. "What they've done is, it's just terrible. It's a weaponization ... against a political opponent and it should never be allowed to happen again."
- The executive order accuses Perkins Coie of engaging in "dishonest and dangerous activity," including hiring the firm that "manufactured a false 'dossier' designed to steal an election."
- It continues, "In addition to undermining democratic elections, the integrity of our courts, and honest law enforcement, Perkins Coie racially discriminates against its own attorneys and staff, and against applicants."
What they're saying: A firm spokesperson told Axios in an email that they have reviewed the order and intend to challenge it, calling it "patently unlawful."
Zoom out: Trump last week also issued a memo suspending security clearances for lawyers at Covington & Burling — a firm that aided former special counsel Jack Smith, who investigated and unsuccessfully prosecuted Trump.
- The moves are part of a pattern of Trump using his presidential power against people and organizations he perceives to have threatened him.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional context and details from the executive order.
