- President Trump signed an executive order targeting Susman Godfrey, the law firm that represented Dominion in its lawsuit against Fox News. The order terminates government contracts and restricts the firm’s access to federal resources.
- The White House accuses the firm of racial discrimination and politicizing legal work. Susman Godfrey called the order unconstitutional.
- Some firms are fighting similar orders targeting them, while others have settled, prompting a congressional investigation.
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President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order targeting Susman Godfrey, a Houston-based law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation lawsuit against Fox News.
The order directs federal agencies to terminate contracts with the firm, suspend security clearances for its 170 employees and restrict their access to federal buildings.
The White House also advised against hiring current or former Susman Godfrey employees unless a waiver is granted.
White House claims against Susman Godfrey
The Trump administration said the executive order is a response to the firm’s alleged support of programs that “promote racial discrimination.” An executive memo accuses Susman Godfrey of operating a diversity initiative that offers jobs and awards exclusively to “students of color.”
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Officials claim the firm is weaponizing the legal system by injecting politics and ideology into its legal work and internal policies, which the administration argues are detrimental to American interests.
Godfrey challenges Trump order
In a statement on its website, Susman Godfrey said it plans to challenge the executive order in court.
“There is no question that we will fight this unconstitutional order,” the firm said. “We believe in the rule of law, and we take seriously our duty to uphold it.”
The firm previously represented Dominion Voting Systems in its high-profile lawsuit against Fox News, which ended in a $787 million settlement. It also represents Dominion in a separate defamation lawsuit against MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a prominent Trump supporter.
Other law firms face similar action
The move against Susman Godfrey is the latest in a series of executive orders targeting law firms.
Three firms have filed lawsuits challenging the orders and their restrictions, and over five hundred law firms signed on to support those challenges in court. However, four other firms have reached agreements with the Trump administration, pledging a total of $340 million in pro bono legal services to causes aligned with the administration, such as support for veterans and military members.
Officials say the total value of those deals could eventually reach $1 billion. The firms involved did not admit guilt as part of the settlements.
Democrats launch investigation into deals
Democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into the executive orders and resulting settlements.
In a joint letter, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Jamie Raskin called the orders “an open attack on the rule of law.” They wrote that the measures “seek to impose harsh penalties on lawyers for the causes and clients they represent,” calling it “a classic violation of First Amendment rights.”
Trump signals more executive action to come
During the signing ceremony, Trump said additional orders targeting law firms are in the works.
“We signed with many law firms, the ones that we thought were inappropriate, and they’ve all agreed to pay,” he said. “We have another five to go, I think five of them. And this one is just—we’re just starting a process with this one.”