President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that directly targets Perkins Coie, a well-known Seattle-based law firm deeply associated with Democratic and liberal groups.
Perkins Coie: A Political Connection
This executive order suspends security clearances for employees of Perkins Coie, a firm that has historically offered legal support to the Democratic National Committee, various Democratic entities, and Democratic campaigns such as Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid.
One of the most notable involvements of Perkins Coie was in the creation of the infamous “Steele dossier,” commissioned by Fusion GPS, a research firm hired by the law firm to gather information on Trump’s international business dealings.
President Trump expressed his strong sentiments during the signing, calling the actions of the firm ‘terrible’ and highlighting the issue of weaponization against political opponents.
While Perkins Coie has not responded to requests for comments, the firm’s ties to the Democratic Party have decreased following key attorney Marc Elias’s departure in 2021 to establish his own elections-focused firm.
Continued Retaliation
This move is part of a series of actions by the President against perceived political adversaries. In a previous memorandum, Trump terminated security clearances of individuals at another law firm, Covington & Burling, which provided legal services to special counsel Jack Smith.
Additionally, security clearances were revoked for former intelligence officials and whistleblower attorney Mark Zaid, signaling a broader crackdown on dissenting voices.
Legal and Government Impact
The executive order also mandates the termination of all government contracts with Perkins Coie, although current records do not show any active contracts.
Furthermore, the order calls for a review of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in leading law firms, reflecting the President’s stance on promoting certain positions based on merit rather than race.
Future Directions
Trump hinted at further actions against individuals linked to the FBI’s investigation into Russian ties with his 2016 campaign, leaving the decision to Attorney General Pam Bondi and the newly formed ‘Weaponization Working Group’.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the repercussions of this executive order on Perkins Coie and other entities remain to be seen.
