US President Donald Trump has taken a decisive step against lawyers who opposed his administration. On Friday night (local time), he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate law firms that, according to his administration, filed baseless lawsuits or obstructed his immigration policies, as per reports.
Trump Revisits Old Grudges
In a late-night memo, Trump once again targeted lawyers who had challenged him in court. He vowed to penalize them by revoking their security clearances and canceling federal contracts they hold. As a result, this order further extended his crackdown on the legal community in the United States.
Specific Instructions for Attorney General
The memorandum instructs Bondi “to seek sanctions against attorneys and law firms who engage in frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation against the United States or in matters before executive departments and agencies of the United States.”
Furthermore, the directive orders her to review legal battles from the past eight years. Based on her findings, she must recommend further actions, including security clearance reviews, contract terminations, or other necessary measures. However, as CNN pointed out, the memo does not clearly define which legal actions would lead to penalties.
Focus on Immigration Cases
Notably, the order primarily targets attorneys involved in immigration-related cases. It instructs the attorney general to file misconduct complaints against those whom the administration believes acted improperly. This move signals Trump’s continued focus on tightening immigration policies and curbing legal challenges.
Immediate Impact on Law Firms
As a result of Trump’s pressure, at least one major law firm has already made concessions this week, according to reports. This suggests that his actions are influencing the legal sector.
White House Justifies the Move
Following the release of the memo, the White House defended Trump’s decision. In a post on X, it stated: “In everything we do, we’re restoring law, restoring order and restoring public safety in America… and we’re bringing honor and integrity and accountability back to the highest levels of the FBI, The Justice Department, and throughout our government.”
