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• President Trump signed an executive order targeting Perkins Coie LLP, a law firm linked to the Democratic campaign in 2016.
• The order accuses the firm of “dishonest and dangerous activity” and alleged discriminatory DEI policies.
• Perkins Coie has filed a lawsuit against the order, calling it an attack on the rule of law.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On March 6, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order targeting Perkins Coie LLP, a law firm that worked with the Democratic campaign in 2016. The order alleges the firm engaged in “dishonest and dangerous activity” and accuses it of discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.

Core Players

• President Trump – Issued the executive order
• Perkins Coie LLP – The targeted law firm
• Williams & Connolly – The law firm hired by Perkins Coie to fight the order
• Fusion GPS – The research firm hired by Perkins Coie for opposition research in 2016

Key Numbers

• March 6, 2025 – Date the executive order was signed
• 2016 – Year Perkins Coie worked with the Democratic campaign
• 2023 – Year special counsel John Durham’s report on the FBI’s Russia investigation was released
• 2 – Number of law firms targeted by Trump in recent months (Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling)

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The executive order is a response to Perkins Coie’s role in hiring Fusion GPS to conduct opposition research on then-candidate Trump in 2016. This research led to the creation of the Steele dossier, which Trump has repeatedly criticized as “phony” and inaccurate.

“This is an absolute honor to sign. What they’ve done is just terrible. It’s weaponization — you could say weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again,” President Trump said during the signing of the order.

Inside Forces

The order suspends security clearances for Perkins Coie employees, halts federal contracts, and restricts access to government buildings. It also directs a review of the firm’s DEI practices under Title VII to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.

Perkins Coie has hired Williams & Connolly to challenge the order, which they describe as “patently unlawful” and an attack on the rule of law.

Power Dynamics

President Trump’s actions are seen as a significant escalation in his targeting of perceived adversaries, including law firms, Justice Department prosecutors, and career intelligence officials. This move follows a similar action against Covington & Burling in late February.

Scholars and legal experts have criticized the order as a blatant constitutional violation, arguing it undermines the separation of powers and violates due process and equal protection rights.

Outside Impact

The order has a chilling effect on the legal community, with many firms concerned about potential retribution for representing clients perceived as adversaries by the Trump administration.

The broader implications include a potential erosion of trust in the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.

Future Forces

Perkins Coie’s lawsuit against the Trump administration is expected to be a lengthy and contentious battle. The firm argues that the order is an unconstitutional attempt to adjudicate and punish alleged misconduct without due process.

Other law firms may also face similar actions, as Trump has indicated plans to target additional firms he perceives as political opponents.

Data Points

• March 6, 2025: Date of the executive order
• 2016: Year Perkins Coie worked with the Democratic campaign
• 2023: Year special counsel John Durham’s report was released
• 2: Number of law firms targeted by Trump in recent months
• Williams & Connolly: Law firm hired by Perkins Coie to fight the order