Trump revokes decree, ending suspensions for top law firm's security clearances.
Trump and Paul, Weiss Call a Truce
It's a new chapter in the tumultuous relationship between President Donald Trump and law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. After a heated spat that led to an executive order revoking the firm's security clearances, the parties have finally reached an agreement.
The feud started with a March 14, 2025 executive order that targeted the firm, accusing them of misconduct. The allegations centered around the firm's association with former partner Mark Pomerantz and their pro bono work, notably a suit against individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol events on behalf of the District of Columbia Attorney General. The order also took aim at the firm's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
To put this volley in the rearview mirror, Paul, Weiss agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services over Trump's term, with a focus on causes such as veterans' assistance and combating anti-Semitism. The firm also promised political neutrality in its representation, ensuring a wide range of viewpoints, and pledged to conduct an audit of its hiring practices to ensure they're merit-based, warranting dismissal of DEI policies.
Additionally, the firm's chairman, Brad Karp, admitted to Trump that Pomerantz's actions were questionable and that the system of justice needed to be restored. The specific wrongdoing Karp was referring to remains unclear.
Critics of the agreement view this move as a capitulation by Paul, Weiss that could set a dangerous precedent, diminishing the legal profession's integrity. However, supporters argue that the deal prevented further escalation and fostered a more amicable environment between the President and the firm.
This developing story is shaping up to be one for the history books, with its implication on the justice system and the legal profession in its entirety. Stay tuned as more details unfold.
- On Thursday, the heated politics between President Donald Trump and law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison took a new turn as they agreed to a truce.
- As part of the agreement, Paul, Weiss pledged to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services over Trump's term, with a focus on veterans' assistance and combating anti-Semitism.
- The firm also agreed to conduct an audit of its hiring practices to ensure they're merit-based, thereby dismissing their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
