In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. The order sought to suspend security clearances for the firm’s attorneys and terminate its federal contracts, citing concerns over the firm’s previous legal work related to Trump.
In response, Paul Weiss engaged in negotiations with the Trump administration. The firm agreed to:
- Provide $40 million in pro bono legal services to support various administration initiatives, including efforts to combat antisemitism and assist veterans.
- Revise its hiring and promotion practices by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations, adopting a merit-based approach.
- Acknowledge actions by former partner Mark Pomerantz, who had previously investigated Trump’s finances.
In exchange for these commitments, President Trump rescinded the executive order, lifting the sanctions imposed on the firm.