Trump Suspends Security Clearances for Paul Weiss Attorneys.
Trump Expands Crackdown on Major Law Firms Over Political Ties.
President Donald Trump has suspended security clearances for attorneys at Paul Weiss, marking his latest aggressive move against elite law firms with connections to his political adversaries. The White House announced Friday that the clearances were pulled pending a review of their impact on national security.
This follows Trump’s previous targeting of Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie, two law firms involved in legal efforts against him. A federal judge recently blocked parts of Trump’s Perkins Coie order, which sought to ban the firm’s lawyers from federal buildings and threatened to cancel government contracts with their clients.
The move against Paul Weiss suggests Trump is doubling down on his legal offensive, raising concerns about political retaliation.
Why Paul Weiss is in Trump's Crosshairs
Paul Weiss has a long history of Democratic connections, with high-profile partners like former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. The firm recently hired Damian Williams, the former Manhattan U.S. Attorney, whose office launched cases against Trump ally Rudy Giuliani and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
A Paul Weiss spokesperson believes Trump’s decision stems from Mark Pomerantz’s involvement with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, which investigated Trump.
Pomerantz, a former Paul Weiss partner, hasn’t been affiliated with the firm for years, but Trump still publicly called him a "radical" in a speech at the Justice Department. Trump also attacked Marc Elias, a well-known elections attorney, accusing him of trying to block his return to the White House.
Trump’s Pattern of Targeting Law Firms
This latest order mirrors Trump’s earlier actions against Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie. In February 2025, he revoked security clearances for Covington attorneys advising Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading federal investigations into Trump. On March 6, he targeted Perkins Coie, citing their work for Hillary Clinton and their involvement in lawsuits related to the 2020 election.
The legal backlash against Trump’s orders is growing, with a federal judge already stepping in to block aspects of the Perkins Coie directive. Legal experts suggest Paul Weiss could challenge Trump’s actions in court, escalating an already tense standoff between the White House and the legal community.
Paul Weiss’ Influence and What’s at Stake
Paul Weiss is one of the largest and most influential law firms in the U.S., generating over $2 billion in revenue last year and ranking among the top 25 U.S. law firms. Its profits per equity partner are estimated at $6.6 million, making it a financial powerhouse.
Chairman Brad Karp, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, has represented high-profile clients like Apollo’s Leon Black and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Paul Weiss partner Karen Dunn played a role in preparing Kamala Harris for her presidential debate with Trump in 2024. These deep political ties suggest Trump’s actions may be part of a broader effort to weaken institutions connected to his opponents.
Will Trump’s Legal War Backfire?
Trump’s escalating attacks on major law firms raise serious legal and ethical questions. Critics argue that revoking security clearances for political reasons is an abuse of presidential power, while supporters claim he’s taking necessary steps to root out bias in the legal system.
As Trump ramps up his law enforcement agenda, the legal community is expected to fight back through the courts, potentially leading to high-profile legal battles. If the Paul Weiss order is challenged, it could set a precedent on whether a president can unilaterally strip security clearances from attorneys based on their firm’s political affiliations.
With a high-stakes presidential election looming, Trump’s war on the legal establishment could become a defining issue. Will his actions reshape the legal landscape or backfire in court? The battle is far from over.
