President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing penalties on the law firm WilmerHale for its past connections to Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
The order revokes security clearances for WilmerHale employees, restricts their access to federal buildings, and cancels any government contracts with the firm. This move is part of Trump’s broader effort to challenge major law firms linked to political disputes or legal actions against him.
Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into alleged Russian interference in Trump’s 2016 campaign, previously worked at WilmerHale before and after the investigation until he retired in 2021. Trump has long dismissed the investigation’s findings, calling it a “Russia hoax.”
This is the latest step in Trump’s crackdown on major law firms. He has recently signed similar executive orders targeting four other firms, with some responding through legal action or settlements.
Critics say the order could politicize the legal system and undermine the independence of law firms. However, Trump’s supporters argue that he is right to respond to what they see as political bias from top legal firms.
As legal challenges to the order grow, it remains to be seen how this will affect the relationship between the government and the legal industry. The Trump administration claims the move is necessary to protect national security and ensure that those working with the government are loyal.
