Security Clearances Revoked for Workers at Law Firm Related To Steele Dossier

President Donald Trump has suspended security clearances for all employees at Perkins Coie law firm over its role in the controversial Steele dossier that targeted his 2016 campaign, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.

Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump signed an executive order revoking security clearances for Perkins Coie employees due to the firm’s involvement in commissioning the Steele dossier.
The order accuses Perkins Coie of “lawfare and the weaponization of government” and engaging in “unlawful DEI practices.”
The Steele dossier, which alleged Trump’s 2016 campaign colluded with Russia, has been largely discredited despite some findings being corroborated.
The Federal Election Commission previously fined the DNC and Clinton campaign for not properly disclosing payments to Perkins Coie related to the dossier.
Perkins Coie plans to challenge the executive order, calling it “patently unlawful.”

Trump Takes Action Against Law Firm Behind Steele Dossier

President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending security clearances for all employees at the law firm Perkins Coie, citing the firm’s role in commissioning the controversial Steele dossier that alleged Trump’s 2016 campaign conspired with Russia. The order also terminates any federal contracts with the firm, though no current contracts were listed. The White House specifically accused Perkins Coie of engaging in “lawfare and the weaponization of government” as well as implementing “unlawful DEI practices.”

During the signing ceremony, Trump expressed his view on the significance of the action against the law firm that represented both the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign during the 2016 election cycle. The firm played a central role in commissioning the dossier compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, which contained unverified allegations about Trump and Russia that were later used to support investigations into his campaign.

Trump targets prominent Democratic-linked law firm https://t.co/CO41jOH1WF

— POLITICO (@politico) March 6, 2025

The Controversial Steele Dossier and Its Aftermath

The Steele dossier became a flashpoint in American politics after BuzzFeed News published the unredacted document in January 2017. While some general findings were partially corroborated by U.S. intelligence agencies and the Mueller investigation, many specific allegations in the dossier were ultimately discredited. In 2022, the Federal Election Commission fined both the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign for not properly disclosing payments to Perkins Coie that were ultimately used to fund the research behind the Steele dossier.

Trump’s executive order goes beyond just revoking security clearances. It also directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to review diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at major law firms, including Perkins Coie. The order specifically accuses Perkins Coie of racial discrimination against its attorneys, staff, and applicants through its DEI policies. This review will reportedly target more than 15 different law firms, expanding the scope of the action beyond just Perkins Coie.

Legal Challenges and Broader Implications

Perkins Coie has already indicated it will challenge the executive order, with a spokesperson calling it “patently unlawful.” The firm’s involvement with Democratic entities has reportedly decreased since attorney Marc Elias left in 2021 to establish his own election law practice. This action against Perkins Coie follows similar moves by Trump to revoke security clearances for employees at other law firms critical of him, including Covington & Burling LLP.

The executive order suggests further actions may be forthcoming against individuals involved in the FBI’s Russia probe. Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated a “Weaponization Working Group” to review officials who previously investigated Trump. These decisions will reportedly be left to Bondi’s discretion, indicating this executive order may be just the beginning of a broader effort to address what Trump has described as improper investigations into his campaign and presidency.