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Trump says he is suing Perkins Coie after law firm filed suit against punitive executive order
Donald Trump announced that he is initiating a lawsuit against the Perkins Coie law firm, accusing it of “egregious and unlawful acts,” mentioning the actions of an unnamed member of the firm.
In a Truth Social post, Trump did not provide further details. This legal move follows his issuance of an executive order last month intending to terminate federal contracts held by clients of Perkins Coie if the firm’s work involved them. In retaliation, Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming the executive order infringed on constitutional rights.
In his post, Trump stated:
I’m suing Perkins Coie for their egregious and unlawful acts, particularly the behavior of a specific member of the firm, only to discover that the Judge assigned to this case is Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee, whom I view as highly biased and unfair. She ruled against me previously in a case that ultimately favored me on appeal. Her decisions have been shockingly detrimental and have become a subject of gossip. Even with a flawless case, I believe she would rule against me—a clear case of what I call ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’ To put it mildly, Beryl Howell has proven to be a significant problem. NO JUSTICE!!!
Updated at 16.02 CEST
Key events
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday urged the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to return to their primary focus on macroeconomic stability and development, claiming they have deviated into less critical projects, including climate initiatives, which have diluted their efficacy.
As reported by Reuters, Bessent emphasized the vital roles these institutions play in the global financial framework during discussions at the spring meetings of both organizations. He added:
“The Trump administration is prepared to collaborate with them, provided they adhere to their core missions.”
Bessent noted the valuable contributions of the IMF and World Bank, but insisted that their expansion into additional areas has diverted them from essential purposes. He called for reforms to refocus these Bretton Woods institutions on the needs of their stakeholders and added:
America First does not mean America alone.
The legal battle initiated by Trump against Perkins Coie follows the law firm’s victorious legal challenge against his executive actions, which penalized the firm’s lawyers by revoking their security clearances, mandating the end of contracts, and prohibiting federal employees from interacting with its attorneys or granting them access to federal buildings.
Trump has enacted numerous executive orders targeting law firms associated with entities he perceives as adversarial, aiming to crippling their operational capabilities with federal clients. This strategy has manifested in threats that undermine their business dealings involving government matters.
Per NPR, Trump’s executive order accused Perkins Coie of various actions that purportedly undermined democratic elections and compromised the integrity of the court and law enforcement systems.
The order specifically called attention to Perkins Coie’s legal representation of Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign, as well as the involvement of the firm’s attorneys in curating a dossier that contained questionable allegations regarding potential Trump-Russia connections.
While five other law firms tried to negotiate with the Trump administration to avoid similar consequences, Perkins Coie alongside two others opted for legal recourse against the administration, firmly refuting any wrongdoing. Trump’s earlier lawsuit in 2022 against Perkins Coie, Clinton, and others, alleging conspiracy against him, was dismissed shortly thereafter by a federal court.
On March 12, a federal judge temporarily halted most parts of Trump’s executive order against Perkins Coie, indicating it likely contravened the US Constitution. The judge articulated that the president appeared to have used national security concerns as a justification to penalize the firm for its previous work with Hillary Clinton.
Moreover, on April 4, over 500 legal entities filed an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie’s challenge against Trump’s punitive measures.
The firm, along with others previously mentioned in executive orders, are presently advocating for clients engaged in lawsuits against the Trump administration, addressing matters such as immigration policies, transgender rights, and the termination of federal employees.
Updated at 16.06 CEST
Analysis: A battle looms over rule of law as some courts start to flex their muscles against Trump
The US Supreme Court, alongside federal courts, has begun assertively countering Donald Trump’s attempts to evade judicial directives, marking an intensifying conflict over legal principles and governance.
A recent ruling from the Supreme Court barred the federal government from deporting individuals held in northern Texas. Additionally, US district judge James Boasberg has found probable grounds to hold the government in contempt for not adhering to his orders concerning deportations.
The situation reflects a growing tension that suggests an impending constitutional crisis as the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary is tested, hinting at a broader legal struggle within the nation.
US senator Peter Welch from Vermont engaged with Mohsen Mahdawi at a correctional facility Monday, posting a video from their discussion on social media. Mahdawi expressed feeling secure and emphasized a commitment to peacemaking that spans various communities.
“I’m staying positive by reinforcing my belief in justice and democracy’s ideals,” Mahdawi stated during the exchange.
I just met with Mohsen Mahdawi where he’s being held in Vermont.
He was detained when he showed up for his citizenship interview.
He should be released so he can become a citizen.
— Senator Peter Welch (@SenPeterWelch) April 21, 2025
In our meeting, Mahdawi conveyed appreciation for the support received from various groups.
He mentioned that his aspiration for U.S. citizenship was deeply rooted in his belief in the principles this country represents.
He hopes that justice will prevail in his ongoing circumstances.
— Senator Peter Welch (@SenPeterWelch) April 21, 2025
Federal judge in Vermont to consider request for immediate release of detained Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi
A federal judge is set to deliberate on a motion concerning the immediate release of a Palestinian student, who was apprehended during a citizenship interview after leading protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza while studying at Columbia University.
Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident for a decade, was arrested on April 14 at the USCIS office in Colchester, Vermont, by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to his legal representatives. Mahdawi is currently detained at the Northwest state correctional facility in St. Albans.
His attorneys assert that the detention is in retaliation for his outspoken advocacy for Palestinian rights. They are urging the court to terminate this unlawful retaliation, emphasizing the significant threat to free speech represented by his ongoing detention.
In government filings linked to Mahdawi’s case, publicly available documentation is minimal, with few judicial orders released. Neither his legal team nor a representative from the justice department responded immediately to inquiries regarding this matter.
During the interview, Mahdawi answered questions adequately and indicated his willingness to uphold the U.S. Constitution. His lawyers described the incident as having been orchestrated, with ICE agents halting the interview, detaining Mahdawi, and placing him in a vehicle. A judge previously issued an order prohibiting the government from deporting him from the state.
Despite remaining in custody, Mahdawi is slated for a hearing in immigration court in Louisiana on May 1. The notice he received indicates he could be considered removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act due to government concerns over his presence and activities, deemed potentially damaging to critical U.S. foreign policy stances.
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the State Department would annul visas for individuals perceived to be acting contrary to U.S. national interests, including some who have protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza and those facing criminal accusations.
Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the West Bank and migrated to the U.S. in 2014. He completed his coursework at Columbia and was intended to graduate this May before commencing a master’s program there in the fall. Throughout his studies, Mahdawi emerged as a vocal opponent of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, organizing protests on campus until March 2024.
Fears grow that Signal leaks make Pete Hegseth top espionage target
Emerging details surrounding US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his repeated sharing of sensitive military intelligence in unsecured Signal group chats have raised alarms about his potential status as a top target for espionage.
Hegseth reportedly sent highly classified information regarding active military operations in Yemen through these unsecured communications. International allies, already apprehensive about Donald Trump’s strict tariffs, now view the U.S. as a potential liability concerning intelligence sharing.
Concerns are mounting that ongoing personnel changes and investigations into leaks within Hegseth’s circle, coupled with his ineffectual crisis management, put critical military operations at risk of exposure, particularly should a geopolitical crisis arise.
“If a foreign entity, be it a state or non-state actor, intercepts troop movements or departmental personnel, it could result in dire circumstances,” said Kristofer Goldsmith, an Iraq war veteran and CEO at Task Force Butler.
Former officials involved in national security under Joe Biden’s administration indicated that the situation is precarious, revealing that Hegseth’s actions have compromised defense department secrets. Several reported that both Russian and Chinese operatives are likely targeting individuals within Hegseth’s inner circle.
Goldsmith illustrated that foreign governments could easily access sensitive chats without needing to directly infiltrate Hegseth’s devices.
“What if Hegseth’s communications are intercepted through his wife’s device—perhaps by inadvertently downloading malware while she engages on social media?” Goldsmith speculated. This vulnerability could inadvertently expose sensitive operational details to adversaries.
Goldsmith expressed concerns regarding leaks related to troop movements or other military strategies, indicating that the potential consequences could result in international tensions or operational mishaps, highlighting the critical nature of safeguarding sensitive information.
Updated at 15.12 CEST
My colleagues Dan Sabbagh and Pjotr Sauer reported further on Marco Rubio’s abrupt cancellation of his trip to London, aimed at discussing the resolution of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has since led to the downgrading of negotiations.
High-level talks previously scheduled for London have been shelved amidst speculation of Russia reassessing its position, coinciding with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement that he could not attend.
The UK Foreign Office noted that ministerial-level discussions will now occur at a lower tier—indicative of a snapshot of ongoing diplomatic relations, especially after initial indications from the Kremlin suggested resistance to NATO peacekeeping proposals in Ukraine.
Recent media reports indicated that progress might be emerging in separate bilateral peace talks between the U.S. and Russia, with indications that Russia is considering retracting its territorial claims on partially occupied Ukrainian regions in exchange for U.S. recognition of Crimea’s annexation as part of a ceasefire proposal.
So far, neither government has definitively confirmed the reports. However, on Monday, Trump signaled he would reveal more comprehensive details on the peace proposals “within three days.”
Additionally, a source close to the situation confirmed that Vladimir Putin had potentially offered to freeze the conflict along current frontlines during recent discussions with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy. Nonetheless, the source cautioned that the terms of any agreements remain uncertain and could involve further Russian conditions.
Nato’s Rutte to meet Rubio, Hegseth and Waltz in Washington this week
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit the U.S. and will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, according to an announcement from the military alliance’s press office.
Rutte’s visit is slated for April 24 and 25.
Updated at 13.41 CEST
The veterans affairs department (VA) has instructed its employees to report instances of “anti-Christian bias” to a newly established task force, coinciding with Donald Trump’s initiative to reform governmental policies regarding religious expression.
Doug Collins, Secretary of the VA, conveyed in an internal email that a task force has been launched to scrutinize the Joe Biden administration’s approach to “Christians.”
The communication urged VA personnel to report any instances of anti-Christian discrimination to a designated email, including relevant identifiers such as names, dates, and locations. The task force will be investigating all claims of anti-Christian bias, specifically looking for unwritten policies hostile to Christian beliefs and any adverse actions taken against individuals seeking religious exemptions.
Shortly after assuming office for his second term, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at discontinuing the alleged “weaponization against Christianity,” concomitantly establishing a task force led by Pam Bondi, the attorney general, to avert government discrimination against Christians.
‘National disgrace’: US lawmakers decry student detentions on visit to Ice jails
During a recent visit to two detention facilities in Louisiana, congressional representatives condemned the treatment of detained students Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk, who were apprehended on account of their pro-Palestinian activism, labeling it as a “national disgrace.”
Congressman Troy Carter, who spearheaded the delegation, articulated his firm support for the students’ rights to free speech, stating, “They are frightened, they’re concerned, they want to go home.”
Both Öztürk, a Ph.D. student at Tufts University, and Khalil, who graduated from Columbia, have been in custody for more than a month without any criminal charges, which their representatives claim is a violation of their constitutional rights.
The visiting delegation included Carter, Bennie Thompson, Ayanna Pressley, Jim McGovern, Senator Ed Markey, and Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana. They aimed to conduct “real-time oversight” of the actions taken by what Pressley referred to as a “rogue and lawless” administration.
Their detainment coincides with the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on immigrants, targeting individuals for expulsion over speech deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy.
“What is transpiring is indeed a national disgrace,” asserted Markey, adding:
We currently find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in American history. The Constitution is being systematically eroded by the Trump administration. Observations made here today in these Louisiana detention centers exemplify the lengths to which [it] is willing to go.
McGovern characterized those detained as political prisoners, contending:
This extends beyond enforcing the law. This trend veers us towards an authoritarian regime.
Updated at 13.28 CEST
US stock index futures surged on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump retracted his threats to dismiss the head of the Federal Reserve and voiced optimism for a trade resolution with China.
Shares of Tesla rose 6.3% in premarket trading following the commencement of earnings reports from the “magnificent seven,” a collection of technology stocks that have significantly impacted the U.S. market.
Tesla’s recent earnings report showed a profit exceeding downtrodden expectations for its core automobile operations.
On Tuesday, Trump claimed he had “no intention” of dismissing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, marking a departure from his earlier statements suggesting Powell’s termination was overdue.
The sentiment of an impending trade agreement between the U.S. and China, which have been entangled in a disruptive tariff conflict, also invigorated market confidence after Trump indicated that coming negotiations could “substantially” lower tariffs on goods imported from China.
Financial markets welcomed Trump’s softer tone, reflected in an uptick of futures trading and a recovery from earlier investor anxieties prompted by Trump’s previous comments about the Fed leading to steep losses in American securities, including stocks and the dollar.
Despite retracting his statements about Armstrong, Trump reiterated his desire for the Federal Reserve to adopt a more proactive stance on interest rates, according to reports.
Vance says Russia and Ukraine will need ‘territorial swaps’ for deal
US Vice President JD Vance remarked on Wednesday that negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv would necessitate “territorial swaps” to facilitate achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“It’s time to take, if not the final step, one of the decisive steps, which is the agreement that we’ll suspend hostilities and stabilize the territorial boundaries near their current positions,” Vance outlined to reporters during a visit to India.
“This will, of course, entail both Ukraine and Russia conceding certain territories they currently control,” he elaborated.
Updated at 15.30 CEST
The US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. labeled sugar as “poison” and advised Americans to avoid all added sugars in their diets, acknowledging the improbability of the federal government fully eliminating sugar from products.
Kennedy emphasized the necessity for improved food labeling and announced that forthcoming federal nutritional guidelines would recommend that people refrain from consuming sugar altogether.
During a press conference, Kennedy stated:
Sugar is poison, and Americans must recognize how it is endangering our health.
He added:
While I doubt we can eradicate sugar consumption, we need to inform Americans about the sugar content in their foods and the new dietary guidelines will underscore that our recommendation is zero sugar.
Kennedy also expressed concern about how little the public understands about food.
Americans are generally unaware of what they consume. We aim to enhance public awareness regarding food choices.
Although he avoided discussing vaccinations during the press conference, it was reported that Kennedy, a known critic of vaccines, was contemplating removing the Covid-19 vaccine from the official list of recommended childhood vaccinations.
Updated at 14.11 CEST
Steve Hilton, former David Cameron adviser, to run for California governor
Steve Hilton, who formerly advised David Cameron, has declared his candidacy for the California governorship in 2026, aiming to unseat incumbent Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek a third term.
Launching with the campaign slogan “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids,” Hilton’s team emphasizes his commitment to practical solutions over ideological dogma, outlining his vision of “positive populism” directed at assisting working families.
Once a trusted adviser to the former UK Prime Minister, Hilton’s relationship with Cameron soured over immigration and Brexit disputes in 2016. His influence was significant in shaping early strategies and initiatives during Cameron’s tenure, including notable public appearances like the husky expedition to Alaska.
During his campaign launch in Los Angeles, Hilton criticized the state’s Democrats for imposing high taxes, inflated housing costs, and straying from the “California dream.”
He expressed his eagerness to potentially face off against former Vice President Kamala Harris, a one-time senator and attorney general from California, who has not ruled out a gubernatorial candidacy.
Source
www.theguardian.com