President Trump has signed an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie, which is now suing the administration over the order. The firm claims the order is unconstitutional and aims to punish it for representing clients that oppose the Trump administration.
The executive order, signed on March 6, accuses Perkins Coie of engaging in "dishonest and dangerous activity" intended to undermine laws and elections. It also claims the firm discriminates against its own staff through its diversity and inclusion programs.
In its lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., Perkins Coie’s attorneys argue that the order violates the Constitution and threatens the firm’s ability to serve its clients. They say the order is meant to intimidate lawyers who advocate for views that the President finds unfavorable, regardless of whether those views are for paying clients or for pro bono work.
The lawsuit seeks to have the executive order overturned. Perkins Coie highlights that the order falsely accuses the firm of various wrongdoings, including its past representation of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. The firm points out that Trump previously filed a lawsuit against them and others, claiming a conspiracy against him, which was dismissed by a federal court.
Additionally, the lawsuit defends Perkins Coie’s commitment to diversity, stating that it does not discriminate based on race. It argues that the executive order infringes on multiple constitutional rights, including the First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
The Justice Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.