Legal Firms Push Back Against Trump's Power Play

A judge has stepped in to halt a significant part of Donald Trump's order. This order aimed to punish law firms that dared to challenge him. The judge's decision is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for Trump's attempts to control who can represent clients against him. The judge, Loren AliKhan, made it clear that she believes Trump's actions are a serious misuse of power. She temporarily blocked the order, which would have stopped the federal government from working with any company that hires the law firm Susman Godfrey. This firm had successfully sued Fox News, winning a massive settlement for a voting machine company. Trump's order specifically targeted Susman Godfrey because of its work on election-related cases. Other law firms have also been in Trump's crosshairs, but many have chosen to fight back. So far, those who have challenged Trump in court have won. Don Verrilli, representing Susman Godfrey, argued that the courts need to act quickly to prevent a dangerous slide into unchecked presidential power. The judge's ruling is only temporary, lasting just 14 days. However, her comments suggest she believes Trump's order is likely unconstitutional. She argued that the government cannot use its power to force lawyers to agree with its views. This is a fundamental principle of the U. S. Constitution. Richard Lawson, arguing for the Department of Justice, tried to defend Trump's order. He compared it to past presidential decisions about federal contracting. However, he was unable to convince the judge to delay her ruling while federal agencies figure out how to implement Trump's order. The judge's decision affects specific parts of Trump's order. It stops the government from banning federal contractors from working with companies that hire Susman Godfrey. It also prevents the government from barring Susman Godfrey employees from entering federal buildings. Verrilli noted that Susman Godfrey received no warning or explanation before the order was signed. Trump signed the order just before another libel trial was set to begin. This trial involves his false claims about the 2020 election and targets the conservative network Newsmax. Other firms have also won legal victories against Trump's orders, but Attorney General Pam Bondi has criticized these rulings. She has told federal agencies that they still have the power to choose who they work with.