In a sweeping executive order issued on April 9, 2025, the President of the United States has set forth a series of measures aimed at addressing significant risks associated with Susman Godfrey LLP, a prominent law firm accused of engaging in conduct detrimental to American interests.
The order asserts that Susman is involved in efforts to weaponize the legal system and undermine the integrity of American elections.
In addition, the firm is alleged to promote ideological agendas that could potentially weaken the U.S. military while also supporting practices that discriminate based on race.
The President articulated a particular concern regarding Susman’s financial awards and employment opportunities for “students of color” which he deemed unlawful discrimination under the guise of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies.
This move aligns with the Administration’s broader commitment to ensuring that federal resources, benefits, and contracts reflect the nation’s laws, including those that prioritize national security and uphold the democratic process.
“Those who engage in blatant discrimination and other activities inconsistent with the interests of the United States should not have access to our Nation’s secrets,” the order states.
Section 1 of the order lays the foundation for the actions by citing the need for safeguarding the nation’s secrets from firms that undermine American priorities.
The order initiates a security clearance review process, mandating the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and heads of executive departments to take immediate measures to suspend any active security clearances held by Susman employees.
This review will be pending, as officials assess whether such clearances are consistent with national interests.
Moreover, the Office of Management and Budget is directed to identify all government goods, property, and related services provided to Susman, enabling the relevant agencies to cease those provisions if permitted by law.
In addition, Section 3 emphasizes governmental contracting procedures.
It instructs contracting agencies to require federal contractors to disclose any business relationships with Susman and detail how these engagements relate to government contracts.
The agencies are charged with reviewing existing contracts with Susman, taking steps to terminate those contracts wherever possible, ensuring that federal funding decisions align with the interests of U.S. citizens and the overarching goals of the Administration.
This comprehensive contractual review must be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget within 30 days, outlining actions taken in response to the order.
The order also has strong implications concerning racial discrimination, ensuring it aligns with existing executive orders and stating that unlawful practices should not be tolerated.
In Section 5, the President mandates agency heads to limit official access to federal buildings for Susman employees when such access threatens national security.
Furthermore, guidance will be provided to restrict federal employees from engaging with Susman representatives, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the interests of the nation.
For staff hiring practices, the order stipulates that agencies should refrain from hiring employees from Susman unless specifically permitted by the agency head in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management.
This directive seeks to maintain personnel integrity in alignment with U.S. national security priorities.
Lastly, Section 6 of the order underscores that the Presidential directive does not infringe upon the lawful authority granted to executive departments or agencies.
It also clarifies that the order is to be implemented in accordance with relevant legal frameworks and subject to available appropriations.
The ramifications of this executive action are significant, particularly as they reflect ongoing tensions surrounding issues of discrimination and partisanship in dealings with legal firms.
Critics of Susman have pointed to these allegations as creating substantial conflicts of interest, particularly given the sensitive nature of legal work often associated with federal contracts.
As the Administration continues to confront allegations related to ethical misconduct, this executive order signals a robust effort to realign government practices with perceived national interests.
The order emphasizes that the federal government is not only accountable for protecting its own interests but also for the ethical ramifications of its contracts and partnerships.
The steps taken in this executive order exemplify a growing trend within the current administration to actively review and potentially sever ties with organizations accused of undermining American values and interests.
The legal and business communities will undoubtedly be closely watching the consequences of this order, particularly how it may reshape relationships between the U.S. government and private legal firms.
As the situation continues to develop, stakeholders across various sectors will be evaluating the long-term impacts of these measures on federal contracting practices and the broader legal landscape.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/addressing-risks-from-susman-godfrey/
