Response Center
Real-time analysis of Trump-Vance administration actions, to support legal challenges and provide resources for the pro-democracy community.
Featured Policies & Analysis
Policies we're monitoring especially closely given their potential impact to people and communities throughout the United States.
Latest Policies & Analysis
This memorandum directs various government agencies to suspend security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP attorneys and employees who assisted in representing Jack Smith.
This memorandum was the first executive action taken by the Trump Administration to target a specific law firm in retaliation for its legal work. With this memorandum, President Trump directed various government agencies to suspend security clearances for any Covington & Burling LLP attorneys and employees — specifically Peter Koski — and to terminate any contracts between the federal government and the firm.
Target a law firm in retaliation for litigation against Trump
This order suspended security clearances and cut off access to federal buildings for all Perkins Coie employees and ended all federal contracts with the firm.
This Executive Order targeted the Perkins Coie law firm in retaliation for its representation of clients that Trump disfavors. The EO was designed to punish Perkins Coie and interfere with its ability to represent clients by accusing the law firm of being "dishonest and dangerous" in its legal representation and of engaging in unlawful discrimination through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The EO sought to immediately suspend all security clearances, government benefits and services, and previously granted federal contracts held by Perkins Coie or its employees.
Punish law firm Jenner & Block for hiring Andrew Weissmann
This order suspends security clearances and access to federal buildings for Jenner & Block employees and cancels government contracts with the firm.
Like similar Executive Orders from President Trump in March 2025 that targeted other private law firms, EO 14246 purported to restrict access to federal buildings for the more than 900 attorneys and staff of Jenner & Block; instructed federal agencies not to meet or engage with Jenner & Block personnel; ordered agencies to immediately take steps to suspend the active security clearances held by Jenner & Block's employees; directed termination of "any contract… for which Jenner has been hired to perform any service"; called the firm "partisan" and "discriminatory"; and questioned Jenner & Block's "values and priorities" because of its association with, or representation of, certain individuals. The EO mentions Andrew Weissmann by name multiple times, who previously worked in the Special Counsel's office that investigated Trump during his first term.
Close offices processing Freedom of Information Act requests
As part of its illegal firings across the federal government, the administration has tried to thwart public transparency laws.
As parts of its efforts to dismantle multiple agencies and engage in mass firings across the federal government, the Trump administration has fired scores of agency officials who process Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. It also tried to entirely close some FOIA offices, such as the CDC's FOIA office. FOIA enables the public to request any written information from the government, enabling the public to better understand how the government makes key decisions and approaches various issues affecting lives across America. Downsizing or closing these offices reduces government accountability and transparency.
Illegally fire Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (“PCLOB”)
On January 27th, 2025, President Trump illegally fired Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) is an independent executive agency that was established on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. Its purpose is to advise the executive branch on privacy and civil liberties concerns stemming from the fight against terrorism. Since its founding, the board has provided critical oversight to protect civil rights and combat abuse of surveillance powers. The independence of the board is essential to its mission. President Trump's illegal firing of the members of the board represents a threat to its ability to perform this crucial service. So far, a district court has issued an injunction blocking the firing.
Encourage discrimination based on religion
This order creates a new task force, led by the Attorney General, to review Biden Administration actions protecting civil rights that it considers "anti-Christian."
This order establishes a Presidential Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, housed within the Department of Justice and led by the Attorney General. The order justifies this task force by citing supposedly anti-Christian actions taken during the Biden administration, including: requiring schools, employers and foster parents to treat LGBTQIA+ students, employees, and foster children with respect; arresting protestors who unlawfully blocked patients' access to abortion clinics; and recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. The Task Force's duties include reviewing the activities of the Biden administration and suggesting that agencies terminate or revoke actions.
Join the Fight for Democracy
Help us counter unlawful, anti-democratic actions from the Trump-Vance administration and protect people, freedom, and justice.
