Mitigating Legal Risks: Expert Insights from Perkins Coie LLP

As President, I am issuing this order based on my constitutional powers and the laws of the United States.

Section 1: Purpose The law firm Perkins Coie LLP has been involved in harmful activities that have impacted our nation for many years. In 2016, while representing Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS to create a false document aimed at undermining our electoral process. This isn’t an isolated incident; Perkins Coie has worked with influential donors to challenge important election laws, including voter ID requirements. In fact, a court even had to penalize Perkins Coie attorneys for their misleading conduct.

Beyond damaging democracy, Perkins Coie has also engaged in discrimination. In 2019, they publicly set hiring quotas based on race and other protected categories, which is against civil rights laws. They excluded applicants due to their race and continued these practices until legal action was taken against them.

My Administration stands against discrimination stemming from “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies. We want to ensure that federal benefits adhere to U.S. laws that protect national security and uphold democratic principles. Those who practice race-based discrimination under misleading pretenses have violated public trust and should not have access to national secrets or federal funds.

Section 2: Security Clearance Review (a) The Attorney General and other head officials must act immediately to suspend security clearances for anyone at Perkins Coie while we review their alignment with national interests.

(b) The Office of Management and Budget will identify all government resources provided to Perkins Coie. Agencies will promptly stop these services whenever legally possible.

Section 3: Contracting (a) To prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting Perkins Coie’s misconduct, agencies must disclose any connections they have with Perkins Coie when entering contracts.

(b) Agency heads will review all contracts with Perkins Coie and take action as needed, including ending contracts to protect the taxpayer’s interests. They will report their assessments within 30 days.

Section 4: Racial Discrimination (a) The Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will examine the hiring practices of major law firms to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.

(b) The Attorney General will work with the EEOC to investigate large law firms partnered with federal entities for potential discrimination practices and take necessary actions based on the findings.

Section 5: Personnel (a) Agency leaders will establish guidelines to limit access to federal buildings for Perkins Coie employees if it threatens national security.

(b) Agencies should avoid hiring Perkins Coie employees unless an exception is granted that ensures no risk to national security.

Section 6: General Provisions (a) This order does not limit any agency’s legal authority or its governing functions.

(b) This order will be implemented following the law and based on available funds.

(c) This order does not create enforceable rights against the United States or its agencies and officials.

Donald J. Trump

THE WHITE HOUSE, March 6, 2025.

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