A federal appeals court in Washington questioned the Trump administration's bid to revive executive orders targeting four major U.S. law firms. The measures were previously ruled unlawful by lower courts.
The orders sought to revoke security clearances and terminate government contracts for Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey. The Justice Department argued the actions fall within presidential authority over national security.
Lawyers for the firms countered that the orders violate the First Amendment. The D.C. Circuit panel included two Democratic and one Republican appointee. Their ruling can be appealed to the Supreme Court.
