President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing federal agencies to sever all ties with the law firm WilmerHale, marking another escalation in his campaign against major legal firms he views as political adversaries.
WilmerHale’s Security Clearances Suspended
The order revokes WilmerHale’s security clearances, instructs agencies to terminate contracts with the firm, and bars its employees from federal buildings.
Trump accused WilmerHale of abandoning legal ethics and using its pro bono work for partisan purposes.
“Yet another law firm that has abandoned the profession’s highest ideals and abused its pro bono practice,” Trump stated.
Mueller’s Ties to WilmerHale a Factor
Trump singled out the firm’s association with Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel who led the Russia probe into Trump’s 2016 campaign.
“WilmerHale rewarded Mueller for abusing prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process,” Trump claimed.
Mueller, a former partner at WilmerHale, left the firm in 2017 to serve as special counsel and retired in 2021.
WilmerHale Calls Order “Unlawful”
A WilmerHale spokesperson dismissed the executive order as legally baseless and vowed to challenge it.
“Our firm has a longstanding tradition of representing a wide range of clients, including in matters against administrations of both parties,” the spokesperson told POLITICO.
Ongoing Legal Feuds with Law Firms
Trump has previously targeted firms like Perkins Coie, Covington & Burling, and Paul, Weiss, accusing them of undermining his policies.
Notably, Trump rescinded a similar order against Paul, Weiss after the firm agreed to provide pro bono work for conservative causes and discontinue its pro-diversity programs.
Legal Community Condemns Trump’s Actions
The American Bar Association and other legal groups criticized Trump’s order, calling it an attack on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.
Despite Trump’s move, WilmerHale has previously represented members of the Trump family, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
What’s Next?
WilmerHale is expected to challenge the order in court, setting up another high-profile legal battle between Trump and the legal establishment.
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