A court has blocked efforts to sanction law firms that former U.S. President Donald Trump found unfavorable.
According to major foreign media outlets on May 2 (local time), Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that President Trump's executive order targeting the major law firm Perkins Coie violated the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and due process.
The court stated, "Imposing sanctions on companies or individuals simply because they are disliked, as an act of personal retaliation, does not fall within the legitimate authority of the U.S. government or the President," criticizing President Trump for abusing executive orders for personal revenge.
The court pointed out that this executive order attacks the fundamental principles of American law and the role of attorneys in ensuring fair judicial administration, and sends a signal to lawyers that they must align with the government’s position.
Since March, President Trump has been pursuing sanctions via executive order against law firms that do not align with his preferences, including those with Democratic Party sympathies or those representing lawsuits opposing government policy.
Regarding Perkins Coie, President Trump cited "dishonest and dangerous activities" as the reason, but it appears the root cause was the adversarial relationship that began during the 2016 presidential election. Perkins Coie served as an advisory law firm for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 and was reportedly involved in raising allegations that "Trump colluded with Russia."
On March 6, President Trump signed an executive order stripping Perkins Coie of government contracts and access to federal buildings. Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit, claiming the executive order violated the Constitution, and Judge Howell issued a temporary restraining order suspending the effect of the executive order.
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