Judge Beryl Howell Blasts Trump DOJ, Signals She May Block Executive Action Against Perkins Coie
Federal Judge Beryl Howell delivered a blistering rebuke to the Department of Justice on Wednesday, sharply criticizing their handling of President Trump’s executive order targeting the Democrat-aligned law firm Perkins Coie. In a heated hearing, Howell signaled that she is inclined to permanently block key provisions of the order, calling DOJ arguments “unprofessional” and accusing government lawyers of acting like “three-year-olds.”
Background: Trump Moves Against Perkins Coie
The legal clash stems from President Trump’s recent executive order revoking federal building access and security clearances for employees of Perkins Coie. The law firm played a central role in the infamous 2016 “Russia hoax,” hiring opposition research group Fusion GPS to commission the discredited Steele dossier. That dossier — later debunked — falsely accused then-candidate Trump and his associates of colluding with the Kremlin.
Perkins Coie was retained by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the DNC, paying more than $1 million to fund the operation.
In response, the Trump administration sought to revoke the firm’s privileged access to federal agencies. But last month, Judge Howell issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), halting implementation of the president’s order pending further review.
Wednesday’s Hearing: Tempers Flare
At Wednesday’s hearing in Washington, Howell appeared unmoved by arguments from Deputy Associate Attorney General Richard Lawson, who defended the executive order as a lawful exercise of presidential authority rooted in national security concerns.
But Howell repeatedly interrupted Lawson, accusing him of evasiveness and challenging the stated justification for the order. She questioned whether the true aim was to punish the law firm for its political affiliation and involvement in prior legal battles against Trump.
“The purpose was not to force Perkins to its knees?” Howell asked pointedly.
“I don’t view it that way,” Lawson replied.
Howell also took issue with a DOJ memo issued after her TRO, which suggested the administration believed her ruling was legally flawed.
“I’ll be honest — it struck me as sort of a temper tantrum by the Department of Justice and OMB,” Howell said, calling it behavior “worthy of a three-year-old.”
Accusations of Bias and Partisanship
The Trump administration has previously moved to have Judge Howell disqualified from the case, citing a pattern of open hostility toward the president. The motion included a video clip of Howell launching into an anti-Trump tirade, warning of the rise of “authoritarianism” and denouncing Trump’s 2020 election claims as the “Big Lie.”
Despite the evidence of bias, Howell formally rejected the DOJ’s motion for recusal late last month.
A Showdown Looms
As the case proceeds, Howell’s potential permanent injunction could block President Trump’s order and allow Perkins Coie employees to retain access to sensitive government buildings. The case has become a flashpoint in the broader political battle over executive power, free speech, and accountability for institutions tied to political disinformation campaigns.
The decision is expected to have wide-reaching implications for how future administrations can respond to private entities involved in controversial political operations.
Judge Howell has not set a formal date for her final ruling.
