New York, March 13 (V7N) – A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s new restrictions on the law firm Perkins Coie, which represented Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign.

On March 6, Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to sever ties with Perkins Coie, including ending contracts, limiting the firm’s access to federal buildings, and halting security clearances for its employees. The order claimed that Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS to compile a dossier critical of Trump during Clinton’s campaign. It also accused the firm of discrimination in its hiring practices based on race.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Beryl Howell announced she would issue a temporary restraining order to block the executive order while the firm's lawsuit proceeds. She expressed concern about the potential impact of the order, saying, "I am sure many in the legal profession are watching in horror about what Perkins Coie is going through here."

In its lawsuit, Perkins Coie argued that Trump’s actions were aimed at destroying the firm based on a small portion of its work. The firm stated that the executive order could severely harm its operations, warning that the consequences could extend beyond Perkins Coie, affecting other firms and their ability to represent clients in politically sensitive cases.

U.S. Justice Department attorney Chad Mizelle argued that the president has the authority to restrict access to sensitive government information for certain individuals and organizations, claiming that the president’s actions were justified.

Perkins Coie welcomed Judge Howell’s decision, calling it an important step in ensuring the executive order is not enforced. The firm emphasized that the order was unconstitutional and harmful to its business.

The case continues to unfold, with Perkins Coie seeking to prevent the executive order from having long-term effects on its operations.

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