President Trump Set to Sign Executive Order Targeting Law Firm Linked to Steele Dossier
In a significant move, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Thursday that will suspend security clearances for employees of the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. This firm gained notoriety for hiring Fusion GPS, the company behind the controversial Steele Dossier published in 2016. According to a White House document obtained by Breitbart News, the clearances held by Perkins Coie employees will be immediately suspended. This suspension is pending a review to determine if their access to sensitive information aligns with national interests. The federal government will also halt all material and services provided to the firm, including access to sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs). Additionally, employees of Perkins Coie will face restricted access to government buildings.
Prohibition on Federal Hiring and Contracts
The executive order goes beyond suspending security clearances. It prohibits federal agencies from hiring employees of Perkins Coie LLP without specific authorization. Furthermore, it restricts funding to contractors that engage the services of the law firm. The document also outlines that there will be a rigorous review of all existing contracts between Perkins Coie and the federal government. Agency heads are directed to terminate these contracts where legally permissible. This signals a concerted effort by the Trump administration to distance the federal government from the law firm and its associated entities.
Review of Perkins Coie’s Practices Under Civil Rights Laws
The executive order also mandates a review of Perkins Coie’s practices under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This review aims to ensure that the firm complies with laws preventing racial bias. The move suggests that the administration is scrutinizing not only the firm’s political activities but also its adherence to anti-discrimination laws. This dual focus indicates a broader intention to hold the firm accountable on multiple fronts.
Perkins Coie’s Role in the Steele Dossier and Political Activism
The White House document highlights Perkins Coie’s role in commissioning the Steele Dossier through Fusion GPS in 2016. The dossier, which has been at the center of the Russian collusion narrative, was allegedly “designed to steal an election” while representing Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential campaign. The document also points to the firm’s collaboration with left-wing activists, including billionaire George Soros, in efforts to challenge and reverse election laws, such as voter identification requirements. This paints a picture of a law firm deeply involved in partisan politics and activism.
Implications of the Executive Order
The executive order’s implications are far-reaching. By suspending security clearances and restricting government contracts, the Trump administration is effectively limiting Perkins Coie’s ability to influence government operations and access sensitive information. This move could have ripple effects on the firm’s operations and its ability to serve clients who require government clearance. Additionally, the prohibition on federal hiring and funding for contractors associated with the firm could further marginalize its role in federal affairs.
A Developing Story
This story is still unfolding, with potential repercussions across the legal, political, and intelligence communities. The Trump administration’s decision to target Perkins Coie reflects its ongoing efforts to address perceived political bias and corruption within various institutions. As more details emerge, it will be crucial to monitor how the executive order is implemented and the responses from Perkins Coie, its allies, and the broader political landscape. ThisStored safely, the consequences of this executive order could reshape the dynamics between the government and private firms involved in sensitive political and legal matters.
