A federal judge issued a strong rebuke of an executive order from President Donald Trump, which aimed at the prominent law firm WilmerHale, declaring the action unconstitutional. The ruling came on Tuesday from Judge Richard Leon, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the implications of the order.
“The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting,” Judge Leon stated emphatically in a lengthy and forceful opinion issued by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The judge underscored the importance of this principle by asserting that allowing Trump’s order to remain in effect would betray the intent of the Founding Fathers. “They knew this!” he exclaimed in his 73-page ruling, indicating a rare display of indignation in judicial commentary.
In a pointed remark addressing the Trump administration’s defense that claims from WilmerHale regarding harm were unfounded, Leon remarked, “Please—that dog won’t hunt!” The judge dismissed the government’s argument, labeling it “absurd” and scrutinizing their assertion that the order had no effect on the law firm’s client base.
Since resuming his presidency, Trump has initiated numerous executive actions targeting legal firms engaged in litigation against him or affiliated with his adversaries. His order against WilmerHale specifically criticized the firm’s employment of Robert Mueller, the former special counsel appointed to investigate potential collusion between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.
In response to the ruling, WilmerHale issued a statement proclaiming, “The Court’s decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients.”
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