The Daily Fuckup

A federal judge on Tuesday permanently blocked the Trump administration’s executive order targeting WilmerHale, ruling that the measure could not stand under the Constitution. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon granted summary judgment to the firm and entered declaratory and permanent injunctive relief, ending the government’s attempt to enforce the order against Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.

The White House order, issued March 27, 2025, suspended security clearances held by people at the firm, restricted access to federal buildings and information, directed agencies to avoid hiring WilmerHale employees unless authorized, and said contracts involving the firm should be terminated. The administration said the move was meant to address what it described as risks to the national interest.

Leon’s ruling covers that order and the record in this case. It leaves the government barred from carrying out the directive against WilmerHale, after the court concluded the administration’s sanctions could not survive constitutional scrutiny.