President Trump revokes security clearances for Paul Weiss law firm attorneys, citing their involvement in what he calls “harmful activity” against national interests, while critics question the constitutionality of his latest executive order targeting legal professionals.
Quick Takes
- Trump has revoked security clearances for attorneys at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and restricted their access to government buildings and federal contracts
- This is the third law firm targeted since January, following similar actions against Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling
- Paul Weiss clarified that Mark Pomerantz, a key figure mentioned in Trump’s order, has not been affiliated with the firm for years
- A federal judge temporarily blocked a similar order against Perkins Coie, citing First Amendment concerns
Presidential Action Against Legal Firms
President Trump has signed an executive order revoking security clearances for attorneys at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, barring their access to government buildings, and terminating federal contracts with the firm. The order states these measures will remain in effect pending a review of whether the clearances align with national interests. This action represents the third instance of the administration targeting a major law firm since January, establishing a pattern of addressing what Trump describes as “harmful activity” by legal entities.
In the executive order, Trump explicitly stated his rationale for taking this action: “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 (Paul Weiss).”
Specific Allegations Against Paul Weiss
The presidential order specifically references attorney Mark Pomerantz, who was involved in a hush money investigation into Trump while working at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. However, Paul Weiss spokesperson Laura Van Drie quickly clarified that “Mr. Pomerantz has not been affiliated with the firm for years,” noting he retired from the firm in 2012. Trump’s order also mentions the firm’s involvement in a pro bono lawsuit related to the January 6 Capitol protests and accuses Paul Weiss of racial discrimination.
The firm also has connections to the previous administration, as former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch from the Obama administration had previously worked for Paul Weiss. These connections appear to factor into Trump’s broader concerns about what he characterizes as revolving-door relationships between law firms and government officials.
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
Pattern of Legal Firm Targeting
The Paul Weiss order follows similar actions against two other prominent law firms. Trump previously targeted Perkins Coie, which represented Democrats in 2016, by issuing an executive order stripping their security clearances. That order specifically mentioned the firm’s involvement with the Steele dossier, with Trump asserting: “Notably, in 2016 while representing failed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false ‘dossier’ designed to steal an election.”
“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,” Trump stated at the Department of Justice regarding his actions against these firms.
The administration also targeted Covington & Burling in a separate order, naming attorney Peter Koski who had assisted in investigations into Trump-related matters. These actions collectively represent what appears to be a systematic approach to law firms that Trump believes have undermined American elections and judicial processes.
Legal Challenges and Business Impact
The executive order against Perkins Coie was temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who cited First Amendment concerns and potential retaliatory motives. Paul Weiss referenced this decision in their response, stating: “The terms of a similar order were enjoined as unconstitutional earlier this week by a federal district court judge.” Legal scholars have raised concerns about constitutional issues surrounding these executive actions.
Legal representatives for the affected firms have argued that revoking security clearances could severely impact their ability to handle government contracts or national security cases. Dane Butswinkas, representing one of the firms, characterized the situation in stark terms: “It truly is life-threatening.” The revocation of clearances potentially threatens these firms’ operational viability, particularly for practices that depend on government-related work.
Sources:
- Trump pulls security clearance of Paul Weiss law firm
- Donald Trump is taking aim at Big Law
- Trump Cancels Security Clearances Revolving-Door Lawyers Involved In Russiagate And J6 Prosecutions | ZeroHedge
