DOJ Reverses Course on Trump Law Firm Sanctions

Feds ask to dismiss cases, then try to withdraw request

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a whiplash-inducing move, the Justice Department is now back to defending President Trump's sanctions on several major law firms—less than a day after saying it would walk away from the fight. The about-face centers on four rulings that blocked Trump's executive orders targeting Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Susman Godfrey.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judicial branch, as the administration sought to punish law firms for representing clients it did not like. The reversal raises questions about the DOJ's decision-making process and the extent of the President's authority.

The details

The DOJ initially said it would walk away from the fight, but has now filed a new motion telling the federal appeals court in Washington that it plans to pursue the cases after all. The administration argued it has discretion to change course, even though the court had not yet acted on the earlier request to dismiss the cases. Judges from across the ideological spectrum had previously concluded that Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional retaliation.

  • On March 3, 2026, the DOJ said it would walk away from the fight against the law firms.
  • On March 4, 2026, the DOJ filed a new motion to continue pursuing the cases against the law firms.

The players

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice.

President Trump

The former President of the United States who issued the executive orders targeting the law firms.

Jenner & Block

One of the major law firms targeted by the Trump administration's executive orders.

WilmerHale

One of the major law firms targeted by the Trump administration's executive orders.

Perkins Coie

One of the major law firms targeted by the Trump administration's executive orders.

Susman Godfrey

One of the major law firms targeted by the Trump administration's executive orders.

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What’s next

The law firms are now urging the court to reject the DOJ's reversal, calling it an 'unexplained request to withdraw yesterday's voluntary dismissal, to which all parties had agreed'.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches, as the administration sought to punish law firms for representing clients it did not like. The DOJ's reversal raises questions about the decision-making process and the extent of the President's authority.