Trump rescinds executive order after law firm agrees to provide $40m in free services
GuardianMAR 22
Trump Rescinds Order Against Law Firm Paul Weiss After Deal
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025. Image copyright: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
In the recent past, Paul Weiss was guilty of conducting lawfare against Trump and his supporters, and the president was left with little choice but to sign an executive order to make sure the firm didn't go astray again. It's encouraging to see that the firm understands how important it is to serve its client base effectively and without partisanship.
Democratic narrative
This capitulation to political pressure sets a dangerous precedent for the legal profession, undermining the independence of law firms and their ability to represent clients without fear of government retaliation. The acceptance of executive pressure threatens fundamental principles of legal representation and the rule of law as we know it.