Trump Halts Federal Resources for Law Firm Linked to 2016 Russia Investigation

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that rescinds federal resources and security clearances for Perkins Coie, the law firm tied to the creation of the controversial Steele dossier. This dossier included allegations of Trump’s connections to Russia, which the president has repeatedly denied.

During a press conference, Trump expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This is an absolute honor to sign. What they’ve done is just terrible. It’s weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again.”

Significance of the Executive Order

The executive order specifically suspends security clearances for Perkins Coie employees until a thorough review is completed. This review will determine the firm’s access to sensitive information and whether it is in the national interest.

In addition to the suspension of security clearances, the order restricts Perkins Coie’s access to sensitive compartmented information facilities. Moreover, the firm’s engagement with government employees will also be limited. The order stipulates that federal agencies cannot hire Perkins Coie employees without explicit authorization.

Implications for Federal Contracts

Furthermore, the federal government will not engage contractors that utilize the law firm. A comprehensive review of federal contracts associated with Perkins Coie is forthcoming, and agency heads will be instructed to terminate these contracts to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Perkins Coie’s Political Connections

Perkins Coie represented Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 election. The firm also engaged in legal representation for former President Joe Biden after Trump contested Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.

Background on the Steele Dossier

The origins of the Steele dossier trace back to 2016 when Marc Elias, former chair of Perkins Coie’s political law practice, enlisted the opposition research firm Fusion GPS. This was part of the campaign efforts against Trump, directed by Clinton and the DNC.

Fusion GPS subsequently contracted former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, who formulated the Steele dossier. The document included sensational and largely unverified claims, such as alleged sexual encounters between Trump and Russian prostitutes.

Legal Challenges Posed by the Dossier

Trump has consistently denied the dossier’s allegations. He initiated legal action against Orbis Business Intelligence, the company co-founded by Steele, asserting that he experienced personal and reputational damage due to the dossier. Nevertheless, a London judge dismissed the lawsuit in February 2024.

Public Exposure and Controversy

The dossier first entered the public domain in 2017 when BuzzFeed News published its contents. Subsequently, the Justice Department’s inspector general criticized both the agency and the FBI for using the dossier to obtain surveillance warrants against former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. This surveillance was part of a larger investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Despite the controversy, the inspector general concluded that there was no evidence of political bias influencing the surveillance of Page or the initiation of the Russia investigations.

Awaiting Perkins Coie’s Response

As of this writing, Perkins Coie has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the executive order and its implications. The fallout from this order could shape the future relationship between federal resources and the firm significantly.

Looking Ahead

The executive order reinforces Trump’s ongoing confrontations with legal entities associated with the 2016 election and its aftermath. By curtailing Perkins Coie’s federal resources, the administration sends a clear message about the limitations imposed on firms involved in political opposition research.

As investigations continue into the allegations surrounding the Steele dossier, the decisions made at the federal level will undoubtedly draw attention and scrutiny from both political supporters and opponents. The repercussions of Trump’s actions will likely resonate in the legal and political landscapes for years to come.