U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell has permanently blocked an executive order by former President Donald Trump that targeted a well-known law firm, Perkins Coie. But what made this ruling stand out wasn’t just the legal arguments or constitutional debate — it was the judge’s clever use of Trump’s own public statements to expose what she saw as the real purpose behind the order: retaliation.
This case reminds us that in politics, your own words can come back to haunt you—especially when you say them loud and proud.
What Did the Executive Order Do?
The executive order issued by Trump took harsh actions against Perkins Coie:
It blocked the firm’s lawyers from entering federal buildings
Revoked their security clearances
Ordered federal agencies to cancel contracts with the firm
Perkins Coie didn’t stay silent. The firm took legal action, arguing that the order was a punishment for the firm’s past work — particularly its representation of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
The firm said this wasn’t just about contracts or security — this was political revenge, plain and simple.
Why Perkins Coie Believed It Was Targeted
Perkins Coie is a major legal player in Washington, D.C. It has long represented Democratic clients and causes, including Hillary Clinton’s campaign. So when Trump’s order specifically targeted them, it didn’t feel like a coincidence.
The firm showed that it had already lost clients because of the order and feared losing many more. This financial harm, they argued, was evidence that their First Amendment rights — freedom of speech and political association — were being violated.
Judge Howell Saw More Than Just Politics — She Saw Retaliation
Judge Howell’s ruling didn’t just accept the firm’s argument — it built on it.
She noted that the Trump administration didn’t even try to deny that Perkins Coie lost clients because of the order. That alone raised red flags. But then she did something unusual in legal rulings: she used Trump’s own public comments as part of her reasoning.
She focused on what Trump had said at events, what his advisers had shared, and what the administration had promoted publicly. And what she found was striking.
Deals With Other Firms Exposed a Pattern
Judge Howell found that other law firms that had signed deals or made settlements with the Trump administration were not targeted by similar executive orders. Some even had orders against them withdrawn.
So why was Perkins Coie being singled out?
To the judge, the answer was clear: Retaliation.
Law firms that cooperated with the administration were protected. Those that didn’t — like Perkins Coie — faced punishment.
Trump’s Own Words Did Him No Favour
At an April event, Trump said:
“Have you noticed that lots of law firms have been signing up with Trump? $100 million, another $100 million, for damages that they’ve done. But they give you $100 million and then they announce, ‘We have done nothing wrong.’ And I agree… But what the hell, they’ve given me a lot of money considering they’ve done nothing wrong.”
This wasn’t just political showmanship — it was a key piece of evidence. Judge Howell saw these statements as proof that the administration was using power to pressure and punish.
In fact, Trump’s tendency to brag about getting firms to “settle” became central to the case. It showed that his executive actions were about more than just legal enforcement — they were about making a point.
The Susman Godfrey Order and Stephen Miller’s Comments
Judge Howell also looked at another example: the executive order targeting Susman Godfrey, another law firm.
While signing that order, Trump turned to his senior adviser Stephen Miller and asked for an update. Miller responded:
“The numbers are adding up. We’re going to be close to a billion soon.”
Trump then added:
“This one, we’re just starting the process with this one.”
This, Judge Howell wrote, made the administration’s agenda even clearer: firms that refused to settle were going to face public pressure and punishment — starting with executive orders like the one issuedagainst Perkins Coie.
Judge Howell’s Conclusion: This Wasn’t Just About Law. It Was About Power.
In her final ruling, Judge Howell emphasized that the actual terms of the deals between the Trump administration and the law firms were still unclear. But what was clear was this:
The administration publicly celebrated those deals
Firms that made deals were spared executive punishment
Those that didn’t were singled out and targeted
This created an undeniable pattern: if a law firm didn’t cooperate or settle, it became a target. And the administration didn’t hide it — they bragged about it.
Why This Ruling Matters
This case isn’t just about one law firm or one executive order. It’s about how far a president can go in using executive power for political gain. Judge Howell made it clear that the White House cannot punish people or organisations for exercising their constitutional rights, even if the president doesn’t like their political affiliations.
It also shows how important public statements can be. Politicians often speak freely, but in court, those same words can become powerful tools for accountability.
Trump and his administration may have seen their comments as just another media moment — but in the courtroom, those words had weight.
A Powerful Reminder: Words Matter
Had Trump and his team been more cautious in what they said publicly, this case might have gone differently. But their own words, proudly spoken and widely shared, became the very reason their legal argument collapsed.
Judge Howell didn’t just look at policy — she looked at intention. And she found that the intention was political punishment, not policy enforcement.
Final Thoughts
This ruling is a major moment in U.S. legal history, showing that no one—not even a former president-is above the Constitution. And it’s a reminder that power, when used improperly, can backfire, especially when you brag about it.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
