Story perspectives

D.C. Circuit Questions Trump’s Law-Firm Order, Firms Offer $140M

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 14 2026 a D.C. Circuit panel heard arguments on President Donald Trump’s orders against law firms, showing skepticism.
Abhishek Kambli said courts lack authority over security-clearance decisions; Paul Clement said orders breach the First Amendment by punishing lawyers for representing the president’s opponents.
Judges Sri Srinivasan and Cornelia Pillard questioned discrimination in clearance denials; nine firms avoided orders by pledging $40 million from Paul Weiss and $100 million from Skadden.

History

Historical Context

In July 1974 Supreme Court decided United States v. Nixon, ordering President Richard Nixon to turn over the White House tapes after reviewing evidence linked to 48 officials convicted. The ruling ended executive-privilege shield from 1972 Watergate break-in and hearings. Today D.C. Circuit judges Sri Srinivasan and Cornelia Pillard cite precedent in challenges to President Donald Trump’s clearance orders.

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Story summary

On May 14 2026 a D.C. Circuit panel heard arguments on President Donald Trump’s orders against law firms, showing skepticism.
Abhishek Kambli said courts lack authority over security-clearance decisions; Paul Clement said orders breach the First Amendment by punishing lawyers for representing the president’s opponents.
Judges Sri Srinivasan and Cornelia Pillard questioned discrimination in clearance denials; nine firms avoided orders by pledging $40 million from Paul Weiss and $100 million from Skadden.

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