Trump Suspends Security Clearances for Jack Smith’s Lawyers \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump ordered the suspension of security clearances for lawyers at Covington & Burling, a firm representing special counsel Jack Smith. The move is part of Trump’s broader effort to retaliate against those involved in past investigations against him. The memo, signed at the White House, directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the roles of Smith’s legal team in what Trump calls the “weaponization of the judicial process.”
Trump Suspends Security Clearances: Quick Looks
- President Donald Trump ordered the suspension of security clearances for attorneys at Covington & Burling.
- The law firm provided pro bono legal services to special counsel Jack Smith, who led investigations against Trump.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi was directed to review the firm’s role in the legal cases against Trump.
- Trump previously revoked dozens of security clearances of former officials critical of him.
- The decision aligns with Trump’s efforts to punish those involved in past criminal investigations against him.
- Covington & Burling, a high-profile Washington firm, denied involvement in Smith’s probes of Trump.
- Trump’s actions could deter other lawyers and law firms from representing prosecutors investigating him.
Deep Look
Trump Orders Security Clearance Suspensions in Retaliation Effort
In his latest move against those connected to the criminal investigations into him, President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered the suspension of security clearances for attorneys at Covington & Burling, the law firm representing special counsel Jack Smith.
The White House memo, signed by Trump, directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately revoke the security clearances of all firm members who assisted Smith, pending an investigation into their involvement in what Trump and his allies have called the “weaponization of the judicial system.”
The move follows a string of similar actions by Trump since returning to office, targeting individuals and institutions he believes worked against him during the previous administration. After signing the directive, Trump jokingly suggested that the pen he used be sent to Smith, prompting laughter in the Oval Office.
Why Covington & Burling Was Targeted
Covington & Burling, a prominent Washington, D.C., law firm, represents Jack Smith in his personal capacity as he defends himself against ongoing government scrutiny following his role as special counsel.
According to a financial disclosure filed by Smith and reported by Politico, the firm provided $140,000 in pro bono legal services to him before he stepped down from his position in January 2025.
Despite being linked to Smith, Covington & Burling had no direct role in the investigations into Trump, according to a source familiar with the matter. The firm’s current lawyers include former Attorney General Eric Holder and ex-Justice Department official Lanny Breuer, who had previously hired Smith in 2010 to lead the Public Integrity Section of the DOJ.
In a statement on Tuesday, the firm confirmed its legal representation of Smith, stating:
“Covington serves as defense counsel to Jack Smith in his personal, individual capacity. We look forward to defending Mr. Smith’s interests and appreciate the trust he has placed in us to do so.”
Trump’s Longstanding Effort to Revoke Security Clearances
This is not the first time Trump has revoked security clearances of individuals he perceives as political enemies.
- Last month, he ordered the removal of security clearances from over four dozen former intelligence officials who had signed a 2020 letter stating that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of Russian disinformation.
- In 2018, he revoked the clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent critic of his administration.
- The latest Covington & Burling directive fits into his broader push to punish those involved in the legal cases against him.
The Role of Attorney General Pam Bondi
Pam Bondi, the newly appointed Attorney General, has taken an aggressive stance against what she calls the misuse of federal law enforcement under President Joe Biden.
One of Bondi’s first acts in office was the creation of a “Weaponization Working Group,” designed to investigate Smith’s work and other prosecutors involved in what Bondi’s memo describes as the “unprecedented raid on President Trump’s home”—a reference to the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
Jack Smith’s Investigations and Their Collapse
Jack Smith was appointed special counsel in 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee two major investigations into Trump:
- The classified documents case – Centered on Trump’s retention of sensitive government materials at Mar-a-Lago.
- The 2020 election interference case – Investigated Trump’s efforts to overturn the election results.
Both investigations resulted in indictments, but they fell apart after Trump’s 2024 election victory:
- The classified documents case was dismissed after a judge ruled Smith’s appointment as special counsel was unlawful.
- The election interference case was narrowed significantly after a Supreme Court decision in summer 2024 limited the ability to prosecute former presidents for official acts.
- Smith formally dismissed both cases in November 2024, citing DOJ policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
Potential Impact on Legal Representation for Trump Investigators
Legal experts suggest Trump’s decision to revoke security clearances for Smith’s attorneys and other affiliated individuals is meant to discourage major law firms from representing prosecutors who have investigated him.
By making an example of Covington & Burling, Trump sends a warning to legal professionals that offering services to his opponents could have consequences under his administration.
However, some legal scholars argue that targeting lawyers in this way raises ethical concerns and could be seen as a politically motivated abuse of executive power.
What Comes Next?
- Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office will conduct a review of Covington & Burling’s legal work for Smith to determine if any further actions are warranted.
- Jack Smith remains under scrutiny, with Republican-led investigations probing his role in the Trump prosecutions.
- Legal experts anticipate more actions from Trump targeting individuals and organizations involved in his past legal battles.
As Trump continues his campaign of retribution, the political and legal fallout of his security clearance directive is likely to unfold in the coming months.
Trump Suspends Security
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