The president accused the law firm of weaponizing the legal system and undermining the integrity of elections.
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from enforcing key provisions in executive orders targeting prominent law firm Sussman Godfrey.
The ruling means that for now the administration cannot proceed with an order aimed at cutting off businesses’ access to federal buildings and review and termination of government contracts.
The president’s order halted security clearances held by employees of Sussman Godfrey and prohibited agencies from hiring current employees of the company unless they have been granted permission. Susman’s government contract has also ended.
“I have determined that action is necessary to address the serious risks, terrible conduct and conflicts of interest associated with Sussman Godfrey,” the president wrote in an order.
Sussman Godfrey argued that Trump’s order was intended to punish the company for legal advocacy, including a well-known lawsuit representing the Dominion voting system and state election officials, against those who questioned the results of the 2020 election.
Trump’s orders “blatantly violate legitimate processes and equal protection principles, including impose serious consequences without notice or opportunity to hear. They use the ambiguous language in which Susuman or their actions have caused unprecedented sanctions of order, and how those sanctions are applied.
Susuman also argued that Trump’s orders violated the client’s fifth amendment right to advise, undermined the independence of the judicial system and violated the principle of separation of power.
“Because continuing violations of our constitutional rights are irreparable, Susuman will suffer from no immediate relief, no immediate relief, as the orders will damage Susuman’s reputation, permanently hurt his relationship with his clients, and cause financial harm.
The court appeared to agree. At least for now, according to a small entry by the court. The text for Alifan’s verdict has not been fully released yet.
The ruling came after oral debate from both sides during an emergency hearing in Washington.
The Justice Department, who represented the Trump administration in the incident, was ordered to file a status report by April 16th detailing the procedures taken to comply with the injunction. The joint status report, which outlines the proposed briefing schedule, is also on the same day.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment and whether it intends to appeal it.
