Trump moves to revoke security clearances for Perkins Coy lawyers
Trump moves to revoke security clearances for Perkins Coy lawyers: In a major political and legal move, former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is revoking the security clearances of Perkins Coy lawyers who played a role in the Democratic-funded opposition investigation of the 2016 presidential campaign. The executive order targets lawyers associated with the firm’s involvement in investigating potential ties between Trump and Russia, a matter that has long fueled controversy and legal battles.
The decision to revoke the clearances stems from Perkins Coy’s hiring of private research and surveillance firm Fusion GPS to investigate Trump’s ties to Russia. The effort led to the creation of the now-infamous Steele dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. The dossier alleged various contacts between Trump and Russian operatives, many of which have since been discredited.
The order directs key federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to suspend active security clearances for Perkins Coy lawyers pending a national security review. It also calls for limiting the lawyers’ access to government buildings and terminating federal contracts with the firm.
However, the order does not specify the exact number of lawyers affected, raising concerns about the scope and legality of such a move.
Trump defended his decision by saying that the law firm’s actions amounted to political weaponization of a presidential candidate. He described it as a necessary measure to prevent similar incidents in future elections, as well as a measure designed to uphold national security and justice in political investigations.
A Perkins Coy spokesman condemned the executive order, calling it “grossly illegal” and vowed to challenge it in court. The firm said its legal work was consistent with standard opposition research practices and posed no security threat to the nation.
The Steele dossier, which was circulated among journalists and government officials before being handed over to the FBI, alleged that Russia was compromising information about Trump and actively working to help his campaign. However, a 2023 report by Special Counsel John Durham found that FBI investigators failed to substantiate any of the substantive allegations in the dossier.
While Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, it did conclude that the Kremlin sought to influence the election in his favor. The Mueller report also found that the Trump campaign welcomed Russian assistance but did not establish direct coordination.
Republicans largely supported Trump’s decision, seeing it as a necessary corrective to what they see as a politically motivated investigation. Meanwhile, Democrats and legal experts argue that the move abuses the president’s power, targeting legal professionals for their past work rather than for any proven wrongdoing.
This is not the first time Trump has revoked security clearances. His administration has also previously revoked clearances from Justice Department prosecutors, intelligence officials, and lawyers involved in the investigation into Trump’s conduct by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Legal experts warn that targeting lawyers based on political affiliations sets a dangerous precedent and discourages law firms from representing politically sensitive clients. Some speculate that the move could also affect ongoing legal battles involving Trump.
While the executive order mandates action from the Justice Department and intelligence agencies, there is potential for internal resistance. Career officials could push back against what some see as a politically motivated order.
Beyond security clearances, the executive order also alleges that Perkins Coy engaged in unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. It follows a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize DEI initiatives in the private and public sectors.
Given the legal opposition from Perkins Coy, the case could go to federal courts, where judges will decide the legality of the executive order. If it is overturned, it would signal limits on the president’s authority to revoke security clearances.
Trump’s executive order targeting Perkins Coy lawyers marks another chapter in the ongoing political and legal battles stemming from the 2016 election. While his supporters see it as a justifiable move against political opponents, critics argue it is a dangerous overreach with long-term implications.