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Apr 9th, 2025, 8:46 PM ET·Politics

Justice Department Defies Court Ruling on Law Firm Blacklisting

The Justice Department advises federal agencies they can blacklist Jenner & Block, despite a judge's order halting a Trump executive order.


Last Update: 1:11 AM ET

Summary

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The Justice Department has indicated that federal agencies may continue to blacklist the law firm Jenner & Block, despite a U.S. District Court ruling that temporarily halted President Trump's executive order aimed at punishing the firm. This order sought to deny its employees access to federal buildings and review contracts involving the firm. The DOJ criticized the ruling, suggesting it encroaches on executive powers. Attorney General Pam Bondi reaffirmed the administration's stance that the executive order is necessary, highlighting political tensions surrounding firms connected to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

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  • PBS NewsHour
  • The Justice Department's stance indicates a concerning trend of executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority, following the decision by Judge Bates to block the executive order.
  • Critics of the Trump administration view the executive orders as politically motivated attacks on law firms representing opposing views, particularly those related to investigations into the president.
  • The lack of accountability showcased by the administration in circumventing judicial rulings raises alarms about the balance of power between branches of government.
DOJ suggests U.S. agencies free to disregard judge's order in law firm dispute
PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·1M·
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"…The position is seemingly at odds with the order from Bates, an appointee of President George W. Bush, that directed the Trump administration to tell federal agencies to disregard broad swaths of the executive order."

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Justice Department Defies Court Ruling on Law Firm Blacklisting - Pano News