Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Law Firm Jenner & Block Over Alleged Political Weaponization
WASHINGTON, March 25 — President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at law firm Jenner & Block, escalating his administration’s campaign against entities it accuses of politicizing the legal system. The move, announced Tuesday, was described by senior officials as part of a broader crackdown on legal institutions allegedly involved in “government weaponization.”
White House Alleges Legal System Abused for Political Ends
White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said the executive action reflects the administration’s intention to penalize legal actors it believes have crossed ethical lines.
“We’ve taken action against a number of law firms that have participated either in the weaponization of government, the weaponization of the legal system for political ends, or have otherwise engaged in illegal or inappropriate activities,” Scharf said during a press briefing.
While the text of the order has not yet been released, the White House confirmed that Jenner & Block is the central target of this particular directive.
Focus on Ties to Mueller Probe Prosecutor
The move drew renewed attention to Andrew Weissmann, a former top prosecutor on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team during the Russia investigation. Weissmann worked at Jenner & Block from 2006 to 2011 and returned in 2020, following his tenure investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Though the executive order does not name Weissmann, observers view the firm’s historical connection to him as symbolic of broader grievances the Trump administration holds against individuals and institutions involved in the Mueller probe.
Firm Yet to Respond
Jenner & Block has not issued a public comment in response to the executive order. It remains unclear what legal or financial implications the order will carry for the firm, which represents a variety of corporate and public clients.
Political and Legal Fallout Expected
Legal experts expect the executive order to trigger challenges over executive authority, particularly if it results in the suspension of federal contracts or legal restrictions on firms not currently under investigation or litigation.
Critics have raised concerns about the precedent of using executive power to punish political opponents and their affiliates, while supporters argue it’s a necessary move to restore fairness in the legal system.
As the 2024 political climate heats up, this executive order is likely to be viewed as both a legal and political signal of how the Trump administration plans to respond to what it considers partisan overreach in government and law.
— Reporting by Reuters. Additional analysis by Diana Daily.
