Trump Administration Drops Appeal of Block on Law Firm Sanctions

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has dropped its appeal of rulings that blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at sanctioning four major law firms: Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Susman Godfrey. The move effectively ends the administration’s effort to punish the firms for their legal work on cases challenging Trump’s policies.

Background on the Executive Orders

In February 2025, President Trump signed executive orders and presidential memorandums targeting these law firms, directing agency heads to review attorneys’ security clearances and government contracts, and barring them from government buildings. The orders focused on the firms’ representation of Democrats and prior employment of individuals Trump viewed as political adversaries, including former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team members, Andrew Weissmann and Marc Elias.

Specifically, Trump criticized Perkins Coie for its connection to the 2016 “Steele Dossier,” even as Susman Godfrey was targeted for representing Dominion Voting Systems in a defamation case against Fox News, and others.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

The targeted law firms filed lawsuits challenging the executive orders, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed amicus briefs supporting their claims. Four U.S. District Judges – Beryl Howell, Richard Leon, John Bates, and Loren AliKhan – each struck down the orders, finding they violated the First Amendment by engaging in clear viewpoint discrimination.

Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary and bar willing to take on unpopular cases, stating the founding fathers understood this principle. Reuters

Justice Department’s Reversal

The Justice Department initially appealed the rulings but then filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the appeal. However, the government reversed course and sought to continue its defense, arguing there was no reason for the appellate court to deny its motion. The law firms opposed this reversal, stating the government’s “unexplained about-face” should not extend the briefing schedule. The Hill

the Justice Department formally dropped its appeals on March 2, 2026.

Reactions to the Decision

Brian Hauss, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, criticized the Trump administration’s “flip-flopping,” but acknowledged the executive orders were “totally indefensible,” as recognized by four federal courts. ACLU

Jenner & Block initially welcomed the decision to drop the appeal but subsequently removed its statement in response to the government’s reversal.

Earlier Attempts at Resolution

Prior to the legal challenges, nine major law firms – including Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps – entered agreements with the Trump administration to provide $1 billion in legal services for initiatives backed by the administration, potentially in an attempt to avoid sanctions. Democracy Docket

The White House and the Justice Department did not comment on the decision.