A federal judge has permanently blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm Jenner & Block.
U.S. District Judge John Bates issued the ruling Friday, declaring the order unconstitutional.
This marks the second time in May that a judge has halted one of Trump’s orders aimed at a major law firm.
The judge found the order was a form of retaliation against Jenner & Block for its legal work.
The executive order suspended security clearances for the firm’s attorneys and barred its employees from federal buildings.
Jenner & Block was singled out because of the causes it supports and clients it represents.
The firm once employed Andrew Weissmann, a prosecutor on the Mueller special counsel team investigating the Trump 2016 campaign.
Similar orders against another law firm, Perkins Coie, were blocked earlier this month by a federal court.
Judge Bates wrote the administration chose Jenner & Block because of its legal positions, not any wrongdoing.
The ruling said the order’s goal was to punish the firm for “views embodied in their legal work,” as the New York Post reported.
The judge expressed concern that such retaliation interferes with the judiciary’s role to check the executive branch.
This case highlights a broader Trump effort to pressure groups and individuals seen as opponents.
Other firms, including WilmerHale and Susman Godfrey, have also asked courts to block similar executive orders.
Some law firms have avoided sanctions by agreeing to provide free legal services supporting Trump-backed initiatives.
The use of executive orders to punish law firms raises constitutional issues regarding separation of powers.
President Trump has made clear his intent to use his authority to reshape aspects of civil society.
Critics say targeting law firms undermines legal independence and could intimidate lawyers from representing certain clients.
Supporters argue Trump is standing up to firms that oppose his policies or have connections to investigations into him.
Judge Bates had already paused parts of the order last month and showed skepticism about its legality.
The ruling reinforces that the judiciary serves as a check against executive overreach.
The White House has yet to announce whether it will appeal the ruling.
Legal experts predict the case could reach higher courts for a final decision.
This legal battle underscores tensions between the executive branch and independent legal institutions.
Trump’s actions reflect a willingness to confront those he views as adversaries within the legal system.
Observers say this marks a significant test of executive power limits in the modern era.
Jenner & Block has declined to comment on the ruling.
The firm has represented multiple high-profile clients and causes that have drawn political scrutiny.
The decision provides temporary relief to Jenner & Block but the fight over Trump’s orders continues.
Judges across the country may soon rule on similar challenges from other law firms.
The outcome will have lasting impacts on executive authority and legal protections for firms and their clients.
