Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Risks from Susman Godfrey

Fact Sheets

TLDR

This is a “fact” sheet for an executive order that targets Susman Godfrey LLP, suspending security clearances for its employees, terminating government contracts, and initiating a civil rights review based on claims the firm “weaponizes the legal system” and supports racial discrimination. The order provides no concrete evidence of national security threats, appears to exceed presidential authority, and likely represents a retaliatory political action against perceived opponents rather than legitimate security concerns.

This is a “fact” sheet for an executive order that targets Susman Godfrey LLP, suspending security clearances for its employees, terminating government contracts, and initiating a civil rights review. The order claims the firm engages in activities “detrimental to critical American interests” including “weaponizing the legal system” and supporting racial discrimination.

The order and fact sheet provide no concrete evidence that Susman Godfrey poses a national security threat warranting the extraordinary measure of suspending all employee clearances. Such a blanket suspension based on employment at a specific law firm, rather than individual conduct, is unprecedented.

The claim that Susman Godfrey “spearheads efforts to weaponize the American legal system” represents political rhetoric rather than documented fact. The firm is known for high-stakes commercial litigation, not primarily election-related cases.

The order mischaracterizes diversity fellowship programs as “unlawful discrimination.” Similar programs exist at numerous law firms and have generally withstood legal scrutiny when challenged. The characterization of such programs as “dangerous efforts” lacks factual basis.

Executive power to revoke security clearances exists, but blanket revocation targeting employees of a specific private firm raises serious constitutional concerns regarding due process and equal protection.

The order likely exceeds presidential authority by attempting to direct agency contracting decisions, which are governed by federal procurement regulations that require specific justifications for termination.

Title VII reviews are normally conducted by the EEOC through established procedures, not ordered by presidential directive against a specific private entity, suggesting this is a punitive measure rather than legitimate civil rights enforcement.

This action appears to be retaliatory against a law firm perceived as politically opposed to the administration, following a pattern established with the revocation of security clearances from intelligence officials mentioned in the fact sheet.

The use of national security justifications to target private legal entities that have represented opposing political interests creates a concerning precedent for using executive power against perceived political opponents.

This executive order represents an extraordinary and legally questionable use of presidential authority, targeting a private law firm without substantiated national security justifications. It appears designed primarily as a political message rather than a response to genuine national security concerns, and likely faces significant legal challenges if implemented.

SUSPENDING SECURITY CLEARANCES TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL INTEREST: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to suspend security clearances held by individuals at Susman Godfrey LLP (Susman) pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.

  • Security clearances held by Susman employees will be immediately suspended, pending a review of whether their access to sensitive information is consistent with the national interest.

    • The Federal Government will halt all material and services, including sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) access provided to Susman and restrict its employees’ access to government buildings.

    • Federal Agencies will also refrain from hiring Susman employees unless specifically authorized.

  • To ensure taxpayer dollars no longer go to contractors whose earnings subsidize activities not aligned with American interests, the Federal Government will terminate contracts that involve Susman.

  • The practices of Susman will be reviewed under Title VII to ensure compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.

ADDRESSING ROGUE LAW FIRMS: President Trump believes that lawyers and law firms that engage in conduct detrimental to critical American interests should not be subsidized by American taxpayers or have access to our Nation’s secrets.

  • Susman spearheads efforts to weaponize the American legal system and degrade the quality of American elections.
  • Susman funds groups that engage in dangerous efforts to undermine the effectiveness of the U.S. military through the injection of political and radical ideology, and it supports efforts to discriminate on the basis of race.
  • Susman has been accused of engaging in unlawful discrimination, including on the basis of race.
    • Susman administers a program where it offers financial awards and employment opportunities only to “students of color.”

A RETURN TO ACCOUNTABILITY: President Trump is delivering on his promise to end the weaponization of government and protect the nation from partisan and bad faith actors who exploit their influence.

  • In addition to Susman, President Trump has also taken action to hold other major law firms accountable.
  • This Executive Order aligns with President Trump’s priority on refocusing government operations to serve the citizens of the United States.
  • It builds on President Trump’s previous actions, such as signing an Executive Order on his first day in office to end the weaponization of the Federal government and ensure accountability for past misconduct.
  • It follows his revocation of security clearances held by intelligence officials who falsely claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation during the 2020 election.