Trump Administration Appeals Federal Judge's Rejection of Executive Order Against Perkins Coie

The Trump administration has launched an appeal against a federal judge's decision which struck down an executive order aimed at law firm Perkins Coie. The order, targeting Perkins Coie for its past work with Hillary Clinton, has been a point of contention, with the Justice Department arguing it falls within presidential authority.

While three other judges have previously rejected executive orders against law firms including WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey, the Trump administration has yet to file appeals in those cases. The original order against Perkins Coie accused the firm of trying to 'steal' the 2016 election for Clinton. This decree aimed to strip government contracts from the firm's clients and restrict access to federal buildings.

The lawsuit brought by Perkins Coie argued that such actions violate constitutional rights and intimidate lawyers from representing certain clients. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell strongly rebuked the order in a 102-page ruling, stating that the government should not be used to settle personal vendettas. Similar rulings were made by other judges in related cases, underlining the judiciary's stance against what is seen as executive overreach.

(With inputs from agencies.)