Trump Revokes Access For Lawyers Tied To Past Probes

Person speaking at podium with presidential seal.

President Trump has revoked security clearances for attorneys at Paul, Weiss law firm amid concerns over their involvement in past investigations, setting off a legal battle that could reshape how law firms interact with the federal government.

Key Insights

Trump has canceled security clearances for Paul Weiss attorneys, terminated government contracts with the firm, and restricted federal employees from engaging with its workers without special permission.
This is the third law firm targeted by Trump’s administration, following similar actions against Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling – firms involved in Russiagate investigations and January 6th prosecutions.
A federal judge has already temporarily blocked a similar order against Perkins Coie, citing First Amendment concerns and potential retaliatory motives.
Critics argue these orders could severely impact the firms’ ability to handle government-related cases, while supporters view it as accountability for partisan legal actions.

Executive Order Details and Justification

President Trump signed an executive order revoking security clearances for staff at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, blocking their access to government buildings, and terminating federal contracts with the firm. The order specifies that government employees require a special waiver to engage with the firm’s workers. Trump’s administration stated the clearances were revoked pending a review of whether they align with national interests.

In the executive order, Trump justified these actions by directly addressing what he views as partisan legal activity: “My Administration has already taken action to address some of the significant risks and egregious conduct associated with law firms, and I have determined that similar action is necessary to end Government sponsorship of harmful activity by an additional law firm: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.”

Law Firms Under Scrutiny

Paul Weiss represents the third major law firm targeted by Trump since returning to office in January. Previous executive orders affected Perkins Coie, which represented Democrats in 2016, and Covington & Burling, which advised a special counsel investigating Trump. The administration has specifically cited these firms’ connections to investigations that Trump considers politically motivated, including Russiagate and the January 6th Capitol protests.

“Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false ‘dossier’ designed to steal an election,” Trump stated in his order targeting that firm.

The Paul Weiss order specifically mentioned attorney Mark Pomerantz, who was involved in a hush money investigation while at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. However, a Paul Weiss spokesperson clarified that “Mr. Pomerantz has not been affiliated with the firm for years,” noting he retired from the firm in 2012. The order also referenced the firm’s involvement in a pro bono lawsuit related to the January 6th Capitol attack.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that not only suspends security clearances held by Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP, but also directs federal agencies to terminate any government contracts involving the firm. https://t.co/ThPxOOmVAC

— LexisNexis Legal & Professional (@LexisNexis) March 17, 2025

Legal Challenges and Potential Impact

The executive order against Perkins Coie has already faced legal challenges, with U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell temporarily blocking its implementation. Judge Howell expressed concerns about First Amendment violations and retaliatory motives, comparing the order to something from “Alice in Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts yells, ‘Off with their heads!’ at annoying subjects… and announces a sentence before a verdict.”

Legal representatives have warned about the severe consequences these orders could have on the affected firms. Dane Butswinkas, representing Perkins Coie, described the situation as “life-threatening” to the firm’s operations. The revocation of security clearances significantly impacts these firms’ ability to handle cases involving government contracts or national security matters, potentially forcing them to abandon entire practice areas and clients.

Administration’s Accountability Stance

President Trump has framed these actions as necessary for accountability and transparency in the legal system. During a speech at the Department of Justice, he emphasized his role as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer, stating, “Now, as the chief law enforcement officer in our country, I will insist upon and demand full and complete accountability for the wrongs and abuses that have occurred.”

In response to Trump’s order, Paul Weiss pointed to the legal challenges already facing similar directives: “The terms of a similar order were enjoined as unconstitutional earlier this week by a federal district court judge.”

The administration contends these law firms undermined judicial processes and American elections through their involvement in politically charged investigations. Critics of the orders argue they represent an unconstitutional attack on firms that represented political opponents or participated in investigations against Trump, while supporters view them as appropriate consequences for partisan legal tactics that damaged democratic institutions.