In a major legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a federal judge has struck down his controversial executive order targeting the prominent law firm Perkins Coie. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, declares the order unconstitutional and accuses Trump of abusing presidential power to pursue personal grudges.
The decision, handed down on May 2, marks a significant moment in the ongoing tension between Trump and several legal institutions. Howell’s 102-page ruling not only invalidates the executive order but also offers a scathing critique of Trump’s motives, labeling them as a “cringe-worthy” attempt to silence opposing voices in the legal profession.
Perkins Coie had taken legal action against the order, arguing that it violated the First Amendment’s free speech protections and the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process. Judge Howell agreed, stating clearly that targeting individuals or firms simply because they’ve represented political opponents or supported diversity policies is an abuse of presidential power.
“Settling personal vendettas by targeting a disliked business or individual for punitive government action is not a legitimate use of the powers of the U.S. government,” Howell wrote in her decision.
Trump’s executive order, issued on March 6, aimed to ban Perkins Coie’s lawyers from federal buildings and to terminate government contracts held by the firm’s clients. The firm, which previously represented Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, claimed the move was politically motivated and intended to intimidate.
Howell’s ruling also blocks any federal agency from enforcing the executive order, reinforcing the idea that legal representation—no matter how politically charged—is a protected right in a democracy. She warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for the misuse of executive power.
The Justice Department, which defended Trump’s actions in court, may still appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C.
In response to the ruling, Perkins Coie issued a statement praising the court’s decision. “We are grateful for those who supported our challenge and remain committed to protecting our clients and the rule of law,” a spokesperson said.
This isn’t the first time Trump has gone after law firms. Other firms like WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey have also filed lawsuits to challenge similar executive orders. While some judges have temporarily blocked Trump’s directives, Howell’s decision is the first to outright strike one down on constitutional grounds.
Meanwhile, several other firms have reportedly negotiated deals with Trump’s team, pledging nearly $1 billion in free legal services to causes supported by the former president. This has stirred controversy within the legal community, with critics accusing these firms of bowing to political pressure.
Perkins Coie, known for its support of diversity and inclusion, became a particular target of Trump’s ire. His order even accused the firm of racial discrimination, echoing conservative criticisms of corporate diversity policies.
As legal battles continue, Howell’s ruling sets a precedent for how far a president can go in wielding executive power—and it draws a clear line against using that power to punish political opponents.
