Two judges sharply questioned President Donald Trump’s executive orders against law firms in hearings Wednesday, signaling they are likely to strike down at least large parts of the directives.
Perkins Coie Hearing: Trump’s claim to “absolute power” to declare that Perkins Coie is a national security threat is reminiscent of the “Red Scare,” federal judge Beryl Howell said. Read More
WilmerHale Hearing: Judge Richard Leon, who also sits in DC’s federal district court, hours later called Trump’s order against WilmerHale “retaliatory.” Read More
Howell and Trump have sparred on and off for years, dating back to when the judge oversaw grand juries related to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. The president attacked Howell as “highly biased” in a Truth Social post shortly before the hearing. Read More
Justice Department lawyer Richard Lawson returned to a familiar strategy, telling the judges he could not speak to questions about the orders or deals that Trump struck with other firms. The Florida lawyer and longtime ally to Attorney General Pam Bondi sat alone at the defense table, across from a team of lawyers from powerhouse Williams & Connolly in one courtroom and facing off with conservative legal superstar Paul Clement in another. Read More