The US Department of Justice has abruptly reversed its decision to drop legal proceedings against four law firms that challenged President Donald Trump's executive orders, just one day after announcing it would withdraw. On Tuesday, the department filed a single-paragraph request with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, stating it now wished to pursue the appeal.
The move comes after Monday's court filing indicated the government was dropping its appeal against a district court ruling that blocked Trump's retaliatory executive actions against Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey and Jenner & Block. The firms had refused to make deals with the administration, which had imposed sanctions including stripping security clearances and terminating access to government buildings.
No reason was given for the about-face, and the filing noted that attorneys for the four firms unanimously opposed the government's request to withdraw its earlier voluntary dismissal. Susman Godfrey, one of the firms, stated: 'Yesterday evening, the administration told the court that it gave up and wouldn't even try to defend its unconstitutional executive orders. Today, it reversed course. Regardless, Susman Godfrey will defend itself and the rule of law – without equivocation.'
The White House and Justice Department declined to comment. The reversal follows a pattern of Trump targeting law firms perceived as hostile to his priorities, including those representing political rivals or supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Nine firms have settled with the administration, with one, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, agreeing to $100m in pro-bono work for causes championed by Trump.
The development was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Critics have described the settlements as acts of 'capitalistic cowardice', while the four defiant firms had celebrated Monday's apparent capitulation as a victory for the rule of law.
