Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has fiercely criticized top American law firms for striking deals with Donald Trump’s administration after being targeted by his executive orders. Speaking out in a national interview, Sanders called these firms’ actions “absolute cowardice” and accused them of choosing profit over principle.
“These are zillion-dollar law firms,” Sanders said. “And money, money, money—that’s all that motivates them. So they’re going to sell out their souls to be able to make money here in Washington.”
The firms came under fire after Trump issued executive orders aimed directly at attorneys who had represented his political rivals. The orders weren’t just political statements—they had real consequences. They sought to revoke security clearances, ban law firm staff from entering federal buildings, and pressure their clients to disclose private legal relationships if they wanted to continue government contracts.
Instead of fighting back, several prominent law firms took the path of least resistance. They reached deals with Trump’s administration to avoid these penalties. Sanders sharply condemned these actions as a betrayal of democratic values and legal independence.
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Big Law Firms Back Down While Others Push Back
Among the firms that reached agreements with Trump’s administration were some of the country’s most powerful legal institutions—Willkie, Farr and Gallagher; Milbank LLP; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. To avoid the effects of Trump’s orders, these firms agreed to a number of terms. They would offer pro bono legal work to causes favored by Trump and agree to stop race-based hiring practices.
These moves angered many in the legal community and beyond, as they appeared to validate Trump’s efforts to control and punish legal opposition.
Not all law firms gave in. Some took a strong stand. Perkins Coie, a major firm that had been directly targeted by one of Trump’s executive orders, fought back in court. They successfully won a legal injunction that blocked many parts of the order, showing that resistance was possible.
Other firms followed suit. Jenner & Block and WilmerHale both filed lawsuits against Trump’s actions and succeeded in getting court rulings that blocked most of the measures against them. Hundreds of law firms, along with former judges, rallied in support of those standing up to Trump’s attempts to control legal institutions.
Interestingly, some of the strongest criticism came from people who used to work at the law firms that surrendered to Trump’s demands. These former employees expressed disappointment and outrage, saying the firms should have defended their clients and the Constitution, instead of giving in for financial gain.
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Sanders Warns of Growing Threat to Democracy
Sanders didn’t just focus on law firms. He warned that Trump’s actions, just a few months into his second term, were creating a serious threat to American democracy. He accused Trump of turning the U.S. into a “pseudo-democracy” and using powerful allies to reshape the government to fit his own interests.
One example Sanders gave was Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and head of companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk has taken on a powerful role in reducing the size and funding of federal agencies. This came after he spent more than $270 million supporting Trump’s re-election campaign.
“Look, you get one vote, and Elon Musk can spend $270 million to help elect Trump,” Sanders said. “Does that sound like a democracy to you?”
To Sanders, the problem runs deeper than just one president or one billionaire. It’s about how money and influence are eroding the foundations of American government. When law firms and wealthy individuals can bend policies in their favor, regular citizens are left without a voice.
And when powerful law firms “sell out their souls,” as Sanders put it, the very institutions that should defend the law end up helping to break it.
