The American Bar Association (ABA) has launched a high-stakes legal battle against the Trump administration, filing a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., to block executive orders it claims unlawfully target law firms through retaliatory measures. The lawsuit argues these actions – including revoking security clearances, canceling government contracts, and restricting federal building access – violate First Amendment rights and undermine judicial independence.
Court documents reveal the ABA's concern over a 'chilling effect' deterring attorneys from representing clients opposing administration policies. 'Lawyers are abandoning cases not due to legal merit, but fear of retaliation,' the filing states, emphasizing threats to citizens' right to petition government.
This clash intensifies longstanding tensions between the 400,000-member association and the White House, following previous cuts to ABA funding and reduced roles in vetting federal judges. Four law firms have separately challenged related orders, with three securing favorable rulings to date.
The case highlights growing scrutiny over executive power dynamics in the US legal system, with potential implications for global businesses and investors monitoring regulatory stability in cross-border engagements. (With input from Xinhua)
