Trump DOJ seeks to remove judge who ruled against admin in case of law firm’s security clearance from case

On Friday, Justice Department lawyers filed a motion claiming that US District Judge Beryl Howell has demonstrated a "pattern of hostility" toward the president. They argued that her impartiality could "reasonably be questioned" due to past rulings and comments she has made in cases related to Trump and his supporters.

"This Court has not kept its disdain for President Trump secret," the filing states, according to Reuters. "It has voiced its thoughts loudly—both inside and outside the courtroom."

Howell, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, recently issued a temporary order blocking much of Trump’s executive action against Perkins Coie. The law firm, known for its ties to the Democratic Party, was targeted by Trump's order, which sought to bar it from working with federal contractors and restrict its access to government officials and buildings. The administration justified the measure by pointing to the firm's past work for Trump’s former political opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Howell has been vocal in cases connected to Trump, making statements about the importance of upholding the rule of law and American democracy. Last week, she remarked that the legal industry was "watching in horror" at Trump’s order against Perkins Coie.

The filing also cites another ruling in which Howell compelled a former Trump attorney to testify in a grand jury investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents. That testimony played a role in a criminal case against Trump that has since been dismissed.

The Trump administration has ramped up its criticism of federal judges in recent weeks as courts have increasingly challenged the president’s use of executive authority. A spokesperson for the DC federal court did not immediately respond to requests for comment.