Story perspectives

DOJ Backs Trump's Executive Orders Amid Legal Challenges

3/13/2026

43 6

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Justice defends U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting major law firms as constitutional.
The DOJ argues courts should not interfere with presidential decisions on national security and civil rights investigations.
The DOJ contrasts four firms that challenged the executive orders with nine that complied, arguing compliance validates unconstitutional authority.
The administration moved from a brief withdrawal to appealing district court rulings that blocked the orders.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Department of Justice defends U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting major law firms as constitutional.
The DOJ argues courts should not interfere with presidential decisions on national security and civil rights investigations.
The DOJ contrasts four firms that challenged the executive orders with nine that complied, arguing compliance validates unconstitutional authority.
The administration moved from a brief withdrawal to appealing district court rulings that blocked the orders.