President Trump's decision to suspend the security clearances of lawyers at the firm of Covington & Burling — apparently just because they provided pro bono legal services to Justice Department prosecutor Jack Smith — is concerning for those who care about the rule of law.
CRSJ Chair Statement
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It is not appropriate for the government to retaliate against lawyers just because of a prior representation of a client the President personally dislikes. Everyone has a right to legal counsel, including those who are unpopular and/or perceived as political enemies of our leaders.
The government should not be involved in punishing lawyers for providing such representation. Absent some showing of a legitimate security concern for the President’s action, these retaliatory actions should not occur.