Trump influences Congress to target liberal law firms

Donald Trump’s campaign against law firms he views as too liberal has now reached Congress. A high-ranking Republican Senate staff member sent an email to GOP Senate offices highlighting firms Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie. These firms have faced criticism from Trump, and the email encourages Senate staff to be cautious about their lobbying clients. The email, which was obtained by POLITICO, mentioned that these law firms lobby the Senate. It included a link to the official Senate lobbying database, showing clients and financial details. This move represents an expansion of Trump’s efforts, which have already seen action against universities and other organizations he considers anti-Trump. Recently, Trump signed executive orders to terminate federal contracts with Covington and Perkins Coie. He also suspended security clearances for some of their lawyers. Perkins Coie frequently works with Democratic groups, while Covington assisted special counsel Jack Smith in his criminal cases against Trump. A source familiar with the email said it was meant to indicate that GOP Senate staff should reconsider helping clients of these firms. This could lead major companies to think twice before working with these law firms, fearing backlash from the Trump administration. Both law firms declined to comment on the matter. Covington & Burling does have some significant lobbying contracts, such as one with Qualcomm, which has paid them millions since 2004. Perkins Coie, on the other hand, reported less than $55,000 in lobbying revenues last year from just two clients. Lawyers from other firms are discussing whether to support the blacklisted firms but are hesitant due to fear of being targeted by Trump. In the past, Republican groups have tried to pressure law firms seen as opposing Trump, including urging staff to boycott meetings with their clients.