Supporters of President Donald Trump erupted in outrage Wednesday after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking key provisions of Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled against Trump’s order, which sought to revoke security clearances for the firm’s employees, bar them from entering federal buildings, and prohibit government contractors from working with the firm.
While the judge did not specifically address the revocation of security clearances—since Perkins Coie did not legally challenge that provision—the ruling was widely seen as a major blow to Trump’s attempt at retribution. Howell determined that the order likely violated constitutional protections, including free speech, due process, and the right to legal counsel.
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“Our justice system is based on the fundamental belief that justice works best when all parties have zealous advocates,” Howell said. “That fundamental promise extends to all parties, even those with unpopular ideas or beliefs or causes disliked by President Trump.”
She described Trump’s order as an act of retaliation and warned that it could “[cast] a chilling harm of blizzard proportion across the entire legal profession.” Legal analysts quickly weighed in on the ruling. “It was a complete destruction of this executive order—for now,” CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said on Anderson Cooper 360.
Meanwhile, Trump’s allies reacted with fury on social media. Stephen Miller, former Trump policy adviser, condemned the ruling on X, writing, “Lawless judicial tyranny. Judges have no authority to force the executive branch to provide classified secrets to Democrat activist law firms.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amplified Miller’s sentiment, posting “IMPEACH. Independent journalist Nick Sortor also expressed disbelief, writing: “WTF? These activist judges HAVE TO GO. How can a judge FORCE the President to give someone a security clearance?!” While MAGA supporters denounced the decision, legal experts and prosecutors hailed it as a victory for democracy and the legal profession.
“The Trump administration’s action against Perkins Coie for doing its job is unacceptable and could have a chilling effect on the entire legal profession. I pushed back against this illegal action with a group of AGs to defend the rights of all lawyers,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
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Joyce Vance, a former Alabama federal prosecutor, echoed the sentiment. “It’s just a TRO, but it’s a big win for Perkins Coie, the legal profession, the rule of law, & democracy. The judge rules presidents can’t use the power of the presidency to conduct personal vendettas that strike at the heart of lawyers’ ability to represent clients, no matter who they are.” The case is expected to continue, with further legal battles over Trump’s order likely in the coming months.
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