Trump directs AG Pam Bondi to probe law firms that file ‘frivolous’ lawsuits against admin

In a memorandum released by the White House on Saturday, Trump cited civil procedure rules that prohibit legal filings intended to “harass” or “cause unnecessary delay.” He instructed Bondi to recommend additional measures to counter legal challenges against the federal government.

"Far too many attorneys and law firms have long ignored these requirements when litigating against the Federal Government or in pursuing baseless partisan attacks,” Trump stated. “I hereby direct the Attorney General to seek sanctions against attorneys and law firms who engage in frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation against the United States.”

According to The New York Post, Trump’s administration has faced over 100 lawsuits since January, with courts issuing 15 injunctions last month alone against his policies—significantly more than those imposed on Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. These injunctions blocked initiatives such as Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship and his use of wartime powers to deport Venezuelan gang members.

Trump’s directive instructs Bondi to review litigation against the government over the past eight years, including his first term in office. He also called for recommendations on potential penalties, such as a “reassessment of security clearances” and cutting government contracts with law firms.

“Law firms and individual attorneys have a great power, and obligation, to serve the rule of law, justice, and order,” Trump said in the memo.

This move follows Trump’s recent deal with the Democratic law firm Paul Weiss. After facing an executive order restricting its business with the federal government, the firm agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services to the administration.

The administration has also targeted Perkins Coie, a law firm that played a role in crafting the Steele dossier during the 2016 campaign. However, Perkins Coie won a temporary restraining order against Trump’s directive, which barred its attorneys from entering government buildings or engaging with federal agencies.