Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Law Firm of Former Special Counsel

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at imposing restrictions on the former law firm of Robert Mueller, the special counsel who led the investigation into potential Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The executive order penalises the law firm WilmerHale by revoking its employees’ security clearances, cancelling its government contracts, and restricting access to federal government buildings for firm staff.

Robert Mueller, who was appointed to investigate whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election, had worked at WilmerHale both before his appointment and after the investigation’s conclusion, until his retirement in 2021.

Since returning to office, President Trump has pursued a strategy of targeting law firms that have represented his political opponents or been involved in civil or criminal litigation against him. In addition to the latest order against WilmerHale, Trump has issued executive orders targeting four other prominent law firms, some of which have expressed concerns about the restrictions, while others have opted for negotiations with the administration.

Mueller’s investigation, which included scrutiny of the FBI, looked into alleged ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has repeatedly dismissed the investigation as a “Russia hoax.” Despite securing convictions of six individuals associated with the Trump campaign, Mueller’s final report concluded that there was no evidence to support allegations of criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia.

This move comes as part of a broader political and legal battle, with Trump taking action against firms perceived to have opposed him during his time in office. The growing tension between political factions continues to play out in the courts and executive orders, with further ramifications for both legal practitioners and government policy.