Donald Trump has continued his campaign against perceived political enemies with a new executive order targeting the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. The order, issued on March 14, 2025, accuses the firm of posing a national security risk and follows a similar move earlier this year, which targeted other law firms with connections to figures involved in investigations against him. The firms involved are linked to former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and prosecutor Jack Smith, both of whom played prominent roles in legal actions surrounding Trump’s presidency.
The executive order, titled “Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss,” raises concerns about the firm’s involvement in various legal actions. One significant issue Trump highlights is the firm’s connection to a lawsuit filed in 2021 on behalf of the District of Columbia Attorney General. The suit targeted individuals allegedly involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Additionally, Trump criticizes Paul Weiss for hiring Mark Pomerantz, an attorney with a contentious history involving the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Pomerantz, who previously worked at Paul Weiss, became involved in an attempt to build a case against Trump for financial fraud. According to Trump, Pomerantz’s efforts were misguided and unethically pursued, as he allegedly engaged in media campaigns after the case was deemed unfeasible by local prosecutors.
Trump’s order also echoes broader criticisms aimed at the law firm and others in its industry. He accuses Paul Weiss and similar firms of racial discrimination, claiming that they make key hiring and client decisions based on race and gender. Although Trump provides no specific evidence to support these allegations, his order asserts that such practices undermine the integrity of the legal profession and pose a risk to national security.
As part of the executive action, Trump mandates that agency heads immediately suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at Paul Weiss. This directive reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s actions, aimed at limiting the access of those he views as adversaries to sensitive government information. Additionally, the order calls for the Office of Management and Budget to conduct an assessment of all government contracts, goods, and services linked to the firm, and to cease these provisions as quickly as possible. It also demands that government agencies ensure contractors disclose any business dealings with Paul Weiss and take steps to terminate those contracts where appropriate.
Furthermore, Trump’s order requires federal agencies to align their funding decisions with the priorities outlined in his administration’s initiatives, such as combating the “weaponization” of the federal government, which has been a cornerstone of his policy agenda. He also directs agencies to assess the risk of allowing employees of Paul Weiss to access federal government buildings, particularly when such access could pose a threat to national security.
This executive order is part of a broader strategy by Trump to reshape the legal and political landscape by targeting individuals and institutions he perceives as aligned against him. It reflects his ongoing confrontational stance toward the legal establishment, particularly those involved in investigations that have scrutinized his conduct during and after his presidency. By targeting law firms connected to his legal opponents, Trump aims to exert influence over the legal community, potentially curbing its ability to act freely against him and his allies. The order serves as a warning to other legal professionals and firms who may seek to challenge his administration’s actions, while also furthering his narrative that the legal system is biased against him.
