Krishnamoorthi on Executive Orders Targeting Lawyers: Beijing Called and Wants Their Playbook Back

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the CCP, released the following statement in response to recent executive orders targeting lawyers, law firms, and their clients:

"In recent weeks, the White House has announced multiple executive orders targeting specific lawyers and specific law firms, including on the basis of the clients they choose to represent and the causes they seek to support. 

"First, the President targeted Covington & Burling. Second, he targeted Perkins Coie. Third, it was Paul Weiss. Fourth, it was Jenner & Block – which is based right in my hometown of Chicago. Most recently, WilmerHale was added to that list. These executive orders are designed to put these law firms out of business by making clients afraid to retain them. Another executive order threatens judicial sanctions against lawyers from all firms who make so-called 'frivolous' arguments against the government.

"This isn’t just a threat to the legal profession; it's a threat to the rule of law – one of America’s greatest strengths in our competition with the Chinese Communist Party. 

"In the People's Republic of China, the CCP arrests lawyers who represent clients who oppose the government. As a result, most lawyers in China refuse to represent human rights activists and others disfavored by the CCP. These executive orders are designed to achieve a similar outcome in America: a society where lawyers are afraid to oppose the government, and clients disfavored by the White House are unable to obtain the best legal representation. 

"This is not about right or left. This is about right or wrong. When it comes to our legal system, we should not take our cues from the People’s Republic of China."

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