President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting Perkins Coie LLP, a key player in the controversial Steele Dossier scandal. The order suspends the security clearances of employees at the firm and imposes strict limitations on their federal engagements.
Breitbart reported that Trump's unprecedented move impacts the law firm that was instrumental in the creation of a document influencing the 2016 election.
This Thursday afternoon, President Trump executed the order in an attempt to address what he perceives as injustices stemming from the 2016 presidential race.
Perkins Coie LLP had hired Fusion GPS to produce the Steele Dossier, a document that the White House claims aimed to bolster Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Under the new directives, not only are the security clearances of Perkins Coie's employees suspended, but their access to sensitive information and government buildings is now tightly controlled. The order specifically prohibits government agencies from employing individuals from Perkins Coie without direct authorization.
The firm will also undergo a thorough review of its government contracts and operational practices. Ensuring strictly legal terminations, heads of federal agencies are instructed to sever ties with Perkins Coie wherever permissible by law.
Further emphasizing compliance, the executive order mandates a review under Title VII to ensure that Perkins Coie's practices adhere to civil rights statutes safeguarding against racial biases.
This step underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing fair practice standards across all operational facets of government-contracted entities.
While Perkins Coie has previously collaborated with figures like George Soros to contest voter identification laws, this executive order crystallizes the government's stance on scrutinizing such partnerships. These collaborations have drawn criticism from various conservative groups, who argue they undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The implications of the order span beyond immediate operational disruptions for Perkins Coie. The broader legal and political ramifications could shape the landscape of federal contracting and security policies for years to come.
When probed about the potential consequences for those connected to the production of the Steele Dossier, President Trump remarked, "I do, but that’s going to be up ultimately to the attorney general and various other people."
The undertaking to review Perkins Coie’s engagements with the government further involves evaluating current contracts to ensure compliance with federal standards and laws.
This rigorous approach is expected to instill a stricter adherence to ethical standards among federal contractors.
The exclusion of Perkins Coie LLP employees from federal hiring pools without specific authorization emphasizes the government's stance on maintaining a secure and unbiased procurement environment. This component of the executive order serves as a clear directive toward transparency and integrity in government operations and contracting.
The announcement has certainly sent shockwaves through political and legal sectors, highlighting the administration's aggressive stance on issues related to national security and election integrity.
The unfolding of this order will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both proponents and critics of the current administration as they gauge its impact on both the legal landscape and federal operational practices.