In a controversial move stirring legal and political debate, President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order targeting Houston-based law firm Susman Godfrey, the firm that previously led high-profile defamation lawsuits against Fox News and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell over false 2020 election claims. The order, issued from Trump’s office, directs federal agencies to terminate contracts with Susman Godfrey, citing its alleged engagement in “activities detrimental to critical American interests.” It further bars the firm’s employees from receiving security clearances or being considered for federal employment, marking an aggressive escalation in Trump's ongoing battle against those involved in litigating the fallout of the 2020 election.

“Susman spearheads efforts to weaponize the American legal system and degrade the quality of American elections,” the executive order claims. It further accuses the law firm of funding groups that “undermine the effectiveness of the U.S. military” and “discriminate on the basis of race,” though no supporting evidence has been publicly provided.

Background: Dominion Defamation Suits

Susman Godfrey gained national attention in 2021 when it represented Dominion Voting Systems in a landmark defamation lawsuit against Fox News. The case stemmed from baseless conspiracy theories promoted by several Fox hosts and guests alleging Dominion’s voting machines were rigged in favor of President Joe Biden. The litigation resulted in a $787 million settlement by Fox News in 2023, one of the largest in U.S. media history. The firm also spearheaded a $1.3 billion defamation suit against Mike Lindell, a vocal proponent of election fraud theories, for making repeated false claims against Dominion. Both cases significantly shaped public discourse about misinformation and media responsibility in the post-election period.

Trump’s Justification

In the order, Trump asserts that “significant risks, egregious conduct, and conflicts of interest” necessitate action against Susman Godfrey. “Those who engage in blatant discrimination and other activities inconsistent with the interests of the United States should not have access to our Nation’s secrets nor be deemed responsible stewards of any Federal funds,” the order reads. The directive represents a rare and highly politicized use of executive power against a private law firm based on its litigation history and affiliations. Legal experts and watchdog organizations have immediately questioned its constitutionality.

Susman Godfrey could not immediately be reached for direct comment, but in a statement to Reuters, the firm called the executive order “unconstitutional,” suggesting that the move represents a retaliatory abuse of power in violation of the First Amendment and legal protections around the right to representation and due process. Legal analysts have raised alarms that the order could set a dangerous precedent, blurring the line between legitimate government policy and political vendetta. “Targeting a private law firm for pursuing successful litigation in a defamation case undermines the independence of the legal system,” said one constitutional law professor. “This could open the door to broader attacks on legal entities engaged in politically sensitive cases.”

The order also intensifies ongoing debates about the intersection of law, politics, and misinformation. Trump has long accused various institutions—including courts, media, and Big Tech—of being biased against him and his supporters. This order appears to be an extension of that narrative, using executive power to retaliate against legal actors who have played key roles in challenging election fraud claims. Whether the order withstands legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but it is expected that Susman Godfrey and civil rights groups will challenge the directive in court. As the country moves deeper into the 2025 election cycle, this latest move may galvanize both Trump supporters who view the firm as part of a so-called “deep state” legal assault, and critics who see the order as a brazen attack on the independence of the judiciary and legal profession.