A newsletter offered by the White House, titled “White House Watch,” aims to provide insights into the implications of the 2024 US election for both Washington and the global stage.
Recently, Donald Trump has initiated a crackdown on WilmerHale, a law firm affiliated with a prosecutor who examined Russian interference allegations in the 2016 presidential election. This action is part of Trump’s broader offensive against prominent US legal firms.
On Thursday, the former president instructed federal agencies to terminate contracts with WilmerHale, revoke its security clearances, and limit its staff’s access to federal buildings. Trump stated that the firm, where Robert Mueller, a former special counsel, was previously a partner, had strayed from the profession’s top ideals and misused its pro bono practice to partake in actions detrimental to justice and US interests.
This directive represents the latest in Trump’s series of actions against major law firms as he intensifies efforts against perceived adversaries, prompting legal organizations to prepare contingency plans if targeted. The order specifically mentions Robert Mueller, the ex-FBI director who joined WilmerHale before leading a federal inquiry into alleged Russian collusion with Trump’s initial presidential campaign in 2017. Mueller departed from the firm in 2021.
Although Mueller’s investigation concluded without finding collusion, Trump labeled it a “witch-hunt,” arguing it was politically driven. In the order, Trump described the investigation as emblematic of governmental weaponization. The directive accuses WilmerHale of “rewarding” Mueller and his team by reintegrating them into the firm following their lead in what Trump regarded as a highly partisan federal investigation.
WilmerHale responded, expressing awareness of what it terms an “unlawful order” and anticipating pursuing all suitable remedies. The firm underscored its extensive history of representing diverse clients, including those involved with administrations from both political parties.
This order is reminiscent of similar directives recently targeting other firms, such as Paul Weiss, Perkins Coie, and a more specific one against Covington Burling. Earlier in the week, Trump also criticized Jenner & Block, whose former partner, Andrew Weissman, collaborated with Mueller during the Russia investigation.
