Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump’s WilmerHale Order as Unconstitutional Power Grab

In a stinging rebuke to President Donald Trump, a federal judge has permanently blocked an executive order targeting the prominent law firm WilmerHale, deeming it unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the order, which aimed to strip WilmerHale employees of security clearances and cancel federal contracts, violated the First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, as well as the core principle of separation of powers.

"This order is a direct assault on the Constitution's foundation," Leon declared, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for law firms nationwide. The judge argued that the executive action was a clear message: take on cases that displease the president, and face punishment. WilmerHale, notably the former workplace of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, became a target after Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The ruling is part of a broader wave of judicial pushback against Trump’s agenda. Federal judges have recently halted efforts to dismantle New York City’s congestion pricing program and criticized the administration for deporting migrants to South Sudan without due process. In Boston, Judge Brian Murphy rejected the administration’s attempt to skirt court orders, noting the logistical chaos of conducting immigration proceedings abroad. "Deporting people to another continent doesn’t exactly streamline justice," Murphy quipped.

These setbacks highlight the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power, frustrating Trump’s immigration and economic plans in his early months back in office. As courts continue to challenge his policies, the administration faces an uphill battle to enact its vision.