The Daily
How Trump Is Scaring Big Law Firms Into Submission
Mar 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, investigative reporter Michael S. Schmidt, known for his insights on the Trump administration, reveals how Trump’s retribution tactics are reshaping the legal landscape. He focuses on the law firm Perkins Coie, detailing its challenges following a controversial executive order aimed at punishing dissenters. The conversation highlights the potential chilling effect on law firms and underscores the implications for the right to a robust defense, raising critical questions about the intersection of politics and the legal profession.
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's retribution against firms like Perkins Coie creates a climate of fear, threatening the legal profession's independence and integrity.
- Despite executive overreach, resistance is emerging as firms challenge Trump's actions, highlighting ongoing legal battles for constitutional rights.
Deep dives
The Shift in Legal Accountability
President Trump is engaging in unprecedented retribution against legal entities that oppose him, altering the landscape of accountability within the American legal system. A significant example of this is his targeting of Perkins Coie, a law firm that represented Hillary Clinton's campaign and its involvement with the controversial dossier linking Trump to Russia. In a bold move, Trump issued an executive order prohibiting Perkins Coie from engaging with the federal government, effectively blacklisting them and jeopardizing their ability to represent clients. This not only threatens the firm’s existence but also serves as a chilling warning to other law firms about the repercussions of opposing Trump.
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