The U.S. Department of Justice returned to federal court Thursday to defend executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting several major law firms.
DOJ Defends Trump Executive Orders
The DOJ argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that Trump’s orders stripping certain law firms of security clearances and government contracts should be reinstated.
Government lawyers said presidents have broad authority over national security and security clearances.
Orders Targeted Major Law Firms
The executive actions focused on firms connected to Trump investigations or Democratic causes.
Among the firms mentioned were:
- Perkins Coie
- Jenner & Block
- WilmerHale
- Covington & Burling
One order targeted Covington & Burling for representing former special counsel Jack Smith.
Another criticized Perkins Coie over its connection to opposition research tied to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election.
Appeals Court Panel Heard Arguments
The three-judge panel included Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan, Judge Cornelia Pillard, and Judge Neomi Rao.
Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement argued on behalf of the law firms.
DOJ Warned About Presidential Authority
DOJ attorney Abhishek Kambli argued that lower court judges improperly blocked the orders because they disagreed with their content.
He defended the president’s authority to make security clearance decisions, even if future administrations could potentially use similar powers against lawyers connected to conservative causes.
