Judge blocks Trump from enforcing order against Perkins Coie : NPR

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked some of President Trump’s executive orders targeting prominent law firms because of the popular causes of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and administration.

President Trump issued it Presidential Order Last week, Perkins Coie denounced “fraudulent and dangerous activities” and attempted to impose several punitive measures, including halting security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees and banning government contractors from maintaining the company. It also bans its employees from federal buildings and prohibits federal employees from interacting with Perkins COIE staff.

At a hearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., US District Judge Judge Beryl Howell issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of the executive order. In a ruling from the bench, Howell said the president’s order against Perkins Koy was clearly intended to punish the company, likely in violation of its first, fifth and sixth amendment rights.

“Our judicial system is based on the fundamental belief that justice is most effective when all parties have enthusiastic advocates,” she said. “That underlying promise extends to all political parties, even those with unpopular ideas and beliefs that are not disliked by President Trump.”

The executive order is targeting Perkins Koy, but Howell said “the potential negative effects cannot be kept modest.” The order “sacrificing a terrible harm of Blizzard’s proportions across the legal profession,” she said.

The hearing on Wednesday took place within 24 hours of Perkins Koy suing the government, calling Trump’s order “a humiliation against the constitution.”

Attorney General Pam Bondy’s Chief of Staff Chad Mizzel argued on behalf of the government. He said the president has clear enforcement rights to take action against businesses and entities he believes cannot be trusted by the country’s secrets.

Trump’s executive order, entitled “Dealing with the Risks from Perkins Coie LLP,” says it sought the law firm to undermine the integrity of democratic elections, courts and law enforcement.

It cites the company’s representation of Clinton’s presidential campaign and its role in preparing documents related to unfounded allegations about possible detention between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.

Perkins Koy, represented by lawyers at law firm Williams & Connolly, says the order has already affected the business. The long-time client has ended his relationship with the company, and in at least one instance, federal prosecutors refused to meet with the attorneys of Perkins Koy, who represents the client.