President Donald Trump is set to sign a memo suspending security clearances for employees of a prominent D.C.-based law firm who assisted in former special counsel Jack Smith's investigations. The memo, reported by Fox News, outlines plans to suspend clearances for counsel members involved in dual special counsel investigations into Trump. This move is part of Trump's efforts to curb power from political and legal adversaries.
The memo directs the federal government to review and terminate the engagement of law firm Covington & Burling by the U.S. government to the maximum extent allowed by law. It also mandates a detailed evaluation of funding decisions to align with American citizens’ interests and the Administration's priorities.
Individuals targeted include Peter Koski, former deputy chief of the Justice Department's public integrity section, and Covington vice chair Lanny Breuer, who served in the Justice Department's criminal division under President Obama. Breuer had recruited Smith in 2010 to head the DOJ's Public Integrity Section.
Recent reports revealed that the firm had provided $140,000 in pro bono legal services to Smith before his resignation from the Justice Department. The White House emphasized that revoking clearances of top Justice Department personnel sends a message against the abuse of power for political gain.
Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, investigated alleged attempts by Trump and allies to overturn the 2020 election results and Trump's handling of classified documents post-presidency. Charges against Trump in both cases were dropped due to DOJ policy against investigating a sitting president for federal criminal charges, citing the separation of powers doctrine and a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity.
