In a move that has sparked controversy, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 6, 2025, suspending security clearances and restricting access to government buildings for employees of Perkins Coie, a prominent law firm that represented Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Trump criticized the firm, accusing it of engaging in “dishonest and dangerous” activities that allegedly undermined democratic elections.
During the signing ceremony, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the decision, calling it an “absolute honor” and claiming the firm had engaged in “weaponization” against a political opponent. He also emphasized that such actions should “never be allowed to happen again.”
The executive order specifically targets Perkins Coie for its involvement in hiring Fusion GPS, the firm behind the infamous dossier that contained unverified allegations about the Trump campaign’s alleged ties to Russia. Trump also accused Perkins Coie of racial discrimination in hiring practices and of collaborating with activist donors like George Soros to overturn laws that restrict voting access, such as those requiring voter identification.
This latest action follows a similar move in which Trump ordered the suspension of security clearances for employees at Covington & Burling, a law firm linked to former special counsel Jack Smith. Smith led investigations into Trump after his first term, which resulted in criminal charges against the former president that were later dropped due to the Justice Department’s policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
The executive order also calls for a review of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at large law firms working with the federal government, directing the U.S. Attorney General and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to ensure compliance with non-discrimination laws related to race and sex.
Perkins Coie has indicated that it plans to challenge the order, calling it “patently unlawful.” A spokesperson for the firm stated that they would fight back against what they view as an unjust and overreaching decision.
This action is part of a broader pattern of Trump targeting individuals and organizations that he perceives as adversaries. It comes shortly after the revocation of security clearances for national security attorney Mark Zaid and his colleagues, which Trump labeled as “vindictive and petty.” Zaid, who represents clients the former president dislikes, described the revocation as a “disgraceful affront” to the legal and national security systems.
