WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to sanction attorneys and law firms that engage in “frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious” litigation against the U.S. government.
“Lawyers and law firms that violate U.S. laws or attorney conduct rules must be efficiently and effectively held accountable,” Trump stated in a White House memo. He emphasized that accountability is crucial, especially when legal misconduct affects national security, homeland security, public safety, or election integrity.
Targeting Immigration Lawyers and Legal Challenges
The directive, titled “Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court,” specifically targets immigration lawyers, accusing them of coaching clients to misrepresent their circumstances in asylum claims to bypass U.S. immigration policies.
Additionally, Trump ordered Bondi to review the conduct of law firms that have litigated against the federal government over the past eight years. He also instructed Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to enforce regulations governing attorney conduct.
Crackdown on Major Law Firms
In recent weeks, Trump has taken executive action against several major law firms connected to high-profile cases and political adversaries. This includes reviewing government contracts and security clearances for firms like Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, though the order was later rescinded following the firm’s agreement to provide pro bono work for administration efforts.
Law firm Perkins Coie, which previously worked with Hillary Clinton, filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s order that blocked its lawyers from entering federal buildings. A portion of this order was temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee.
Another firm, Covington & Burling, also came under scrutiny due to its pro bono services provided to former special counsel Jack Smith.
Trump Defends Executive Actions
On Friday, Trump defended his actions, asserting that these firms ruthlessly and illegally targeted him for years.
“Well, the law firms all want to make deals. You mean the ones that went after me ruthlessly, violently, illegally? They’re not babies. They’re very sophisticated people,” Trump told reporters.
The directive signals a major shift in legal oversight, particularly regarding lawsuits filed against the federal government. It remains to be seen how this order will impact legal challenges and attorney-client protections moving forward.
