Federal agencies have been directed to cut ties with Perkins Coie LLP and revoke security clearances held by its lawyers, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order comes as part of a broader effort to remove access to classified government materials from those who played a role in controversial legal actions against Trump and his administration.
The order singles out the law firm’s work for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, specifically its involvement in hiring Fusion GPS, which in turn commissioned Christopher Steele’s infamous dossier. The document, which contained false claims about Trump, was used in federal investigations that later proved baseless. A Justice Department review found that the dossier played a key role in surveillance operations against a former Trump campaign associate, despite being filled with unverified claims.
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In addition to suspending security clearances, the executive order limits hiring of Perkins Coie attorneys within federal agencies and places restrictions on government contracts with the firm. Federal agencies have been instructed to disclose any existing relationships with the firm and to terminate them when legally feasible.
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Trump’s administration has also criticized Perkins Coie’s legal activism in election-related cases, particularly its involvement in efforts to challenge voter ID laws. The firm has been accused of attempting to use the courts to weaken election integrity measures, often with the backing of left-wing donors.
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The White House also cited the firm’s history of using race-based hiring quotas, which Trump’s administration has pledged to eliminate from organizations receiving government funding. The order reflects a growing focus on ensuring that government resources and classified information are not accessible to those engaged in what the administration calls politically motivated legal warfare.
The move follows a series of similar actions by Trump, including the removal of security clearances from former intelligence officials involved in discredited claims about Russian interference. The latest action further underscores Trump’s commitment to reshaping national security policies and restricting access to government resources for those he views as political adversaries.
