A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of President Trump’s executive order aimed at penalizing the law firm Perkins Coie, which has ties to the Democratic Party. Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the government from using the order to investigate or take action against Perkins Coie while a lawsuit challenging its legality proceeds.
The executive order, issued in October, directed federal agencies to review and potentially penalize companies that contract with the government and have a history of activities deemed “unpatriotic” or “anti-American.” Critics argued that the order was overly broad and could be used to target companies based on their political affiliations. Perkins Coie, which has represented the Democratic National Committee and several Democratic campaigns, filed a lawsuit arguing that the order violated the First Amendment and due process rights.
Judge Howell’s ruling stated that Perkins Coie had demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of its claim that the executive order was unconstitutionally vague and violated equal protection principles. The judge also found that the firm would suffer irreparable harm if the order were allowed to remain in effect. The Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling, setting the stage for a legal battle over the scope of presidential power and the protection of political expression. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and perceived political opponents.
