Trump Cancels Security Clearances Of Revolving-Door Lawyers

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President Trump revokes security clearances from Paul Weiss law firm attorneys involved in Russiagate and January 6 cases, marking his third action against major law firms since taking office.

Key Takeaways

President Trump has signed an executive order revoking security clearances for attorneys at Paul Weiss law firm and restricting their access to government buildings and federal contracts.
The Paul Weiss order follows similar actions against Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, firms Trump claims undermined judicial processes and American elections.
Trump specifically cited attorney Mark Pomerantz in the order, though Paul Weiss clarified he hasn’t been affiliated with the firm for years.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the similar order against Perkins Coie, citing First Amendment concerns and potential retaliatory motives.

Trump’s Executive Order Against Paul Weiss

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order revoking security clearances for attorneys at the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. The order also terminates government contracts with the firm and restricts government employees from interacting with Paul Weiss workers without special approval. This decisive action comes as Trump cited national security concerns and the need to review whether these clearances align with America’s interests.

In the executive order, Trump specifically mentioned former Paul Weiss partner Mark Pomerantz, who was involved in a hush money probe into Trump while working at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The order also references the firm’s involvement in legal matters surrounding the Russiagate investigation and January 6 Capitol protest prosecutions, which Trump has consistently criticized as politically motivated.

Paul Weiss Responds to Accusations

Following the executive order, Paul Weiss spokesperson Laura Van Drie issued a clarification regarding Pomerantz’s connection to the firm. “Mr. Pomerantz has not been affiliated with the firm for years,” Van Drie stated, addressing a key point in Trump’s order. The firm has also noted that a similar order against another law firm was temporarily blocked by a federal judge earlier this week.

“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),” said President Donald Trump.

In his executive order, Trump accused Paul Weiss of making decisions based on race and gender. The order also noted that former Obama administration Attorney General Loretta Lynch had previously worked for the firm, highlighting what Trump sees as concerning revolving-door relationships between government and private legal practice.

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 Action Against Law Firms

This marks the third instance of Trump targeting a major law firm since returning to office in January. Previous executive orders were issued against Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, firms Trump claims undermined judicial processes and American elections. In the Perkins Coie order, Trump specifically mentioned the firm’s hiring of Fusion GPS, which produced the controversial Steele dossier during the 2016 election.

“Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false ‘dossier’ designed to steal an election,” said former President Donald Trump.

The executive order against Covington & Burling named attorney Peter Koski, who assisted in investigations into Trump-related matters. Critics argue these orders could severely impact the firms’ ability to handle cases involving government contracts or national security, with legal representatives suggesting they could be “life-threatening” to the firms’ operations, potentially leading to their closure.

Legal Challenges to Trump’s Orders

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell temporarily blocked the similar order against Perkins Coie, citing First Amendment concerns and potential retaliatory motives. The judge compared Trump’s orders to the Queen of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland,” who announces sentences before verdicts. This legal challenge raises questions about whether the Paul Weiss order will face similar judicial scrutiny.

“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,” said former President Donald Trump.

Legal scholars have raised concerns about potential constitutional issues with these orders, particularly regarding First Amendment protections for legal representation. The revocation of security clearances could significantly hamper these firms’ business operations and potentially erode legal rights for clients seeking counsel, especially in cases involving government matters or national security concerns.