Trump order targeting law firm is illegal, federal judge rules
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President Trump on April 25 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
A federal judge found President Trump's executive order targeting law firm Perkins Coie to be illegal, per the court ruling Friday.
The big picture: The ruling, which bars the administration from enforcing the executive order, is the first time a court has permanently prohibited Trump from using his presidential power against a law firm he perceives to have threatened him politically.
Driving the news: U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell sided with the law firm, one of the largest in the nation, in a 102-page opinion saying the executive order sends "the clear message: lawyers must stick to the party line, or else."
- The judge wrote, "Using the powers of the federal government to target lawyers for their representation of clients and avowed progressive employment policies in an overt attempt to suppress and punish certain viewpoints ... is contrary to the Constitution, which requires that the government respond to dissenting or unpopular speech or ideas with 'tolerance, not coercion.'"
Catch up quick: Howell in March temporarily blocked parts of the executive order targeting Perkins Coie.
- The law firm, which asked the court to issue a restraining order, claimed Trump's directive violated its rights to free speech and due process.
Context: Trump directed federal agencies to end their contracts with Perkins Coie and limit its lawyers' access to federal buildings.
- He also called for an end to its lawyers' security clearances.
- The law firm represented Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign and played a key role in commissioning the Steele dossier on Trump's alleged interactions with Russia.
What they're saying: A Perkins Coie spokesperson said in an email Friday that the "ruling affirms core constitutional freedoms all Americans hold dear, including free speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without the fear of retribution."
- "As we move forward, we remain guided by the same commitments that first compelled us to bring this challenge: to protect our firm, safeguard the interests of our clients, and uphold the rule of law," the spokesperson added.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Axios on Monday that "the decision to grant any individual access to this nation's secrets is a sensitive judgment call entrusted to the President."
- He added, "Weighing these factors and implementing such decisions are core executive powers, and reviewing the President's clearance decisions falls well beyond the judiciary's authority."
Go deeper: Trump strips security clearances of law firm over Steele dossier
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Perkins Coie. and the White House.
