President Trump blocks security clearances for opponents’ lawyers

President Donald Trump has suspended security clearances for Perkins Coie, a law firm that previously worked with Hillary Clinton.

The executive order directs federal agencies to review contracts with the firm, restrict its lawyers’ access to classified information and reconsider ongoing legal work involving its clients.

As a result, at least seven clients, including a major government contractor, have withdrawn legal work from Perkins Coie. This decision is seen as part of President Trump’s broader efforts to target individuals and organizations linked to his political opponents.

“This is an absolute honor to sign,” President Trump said. “What they’ve done is just terrible. It’s weaponization, you could say weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again.”

The Perkins Coie executive order also alleges the firm engages in what the Trump Administration describes as unlawful diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

In response to the executive order, the spokesperson for the firm said, “We have reviewed the executive order. It is patently unlawful, and we intend to challenge it.”

Jim Barton, Attorney at Barton Mendez Soto, joined “Arizona Horizon” to analyze the legal and political implications of this move.

“The President is basically saying that they were dishonest, that they were conducting dangerous activity, working with George Soros on election laws,” said Barton.

“It’s despicable, and I think Perkins Coie is digging in. They’re fighting back. Hopefully they will do fine, but they’ve got a tough row now when their reputation is damaged by having the President of the United States saying, ‘You guys are on my bad guy list,'” said Barton.