Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump is facing backlash for targeting big law firms with executive orders.
- The Wall Street Journal’s conservative editorial board called his actions an abuse of power.
- Three judges, including a conservative, ruled against Trump’s orders, calling them unconstitutional.
- The judges said Trump’s orders violated the First Amendment and other constitutional rights.
- The editorial board warned Trump to stop fighting these battles to avoid more losses.
The Backlash Against Trump’s Executive Orders
Donald Trump, the former president, is in hot water again. This time, it’s not just his political opponents criticizing him—it’s the Wall Street Journal’s conservative editorial board. They accused Trump of abusing his power by targeting big law firms, especially those that lean liberal.
The board called Trump’s actions “an abuse of executive power that isn’t justified under any fair reading of the Constitution.” They pointed out that Trump has lost three major courtroom battles, and the judges who ruled against him were from different political backgrounds.
A Scathing Rebuke from a Conservative Judge
One of the most surprising criticisms came from Judge Richard Leon, a conservative judge nominated by George W. Bush. He recently ruled against Trump’s executive order targeting the WilmerHale law firm. In a 73-page opinion, Leon called Trump’s order unconstitutional and said it must be struck down entirely.
Leon wrote, “To rule otherwise would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!” The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board called this ruling a “thorough takedown” of Trump’s order.
What’s Wrong with Trump’s Orders?
Judge Leon and other judges found several problems with Trump’s executive orders. They said the orders:
- Violate the First Amendment by retaliating against protected speech.
- Discriminate based on viewpoint, which is unconstitutional.
- Harm the right to free association and to petition the government.
- Violate the right to counsel and due process.
- Disrespect the separation of powers.
In short, the judges believe Trump’s orders are not just unfair—they’re against the law.
A Warning for Trump: Cut Your Losses
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board had some tough advice for Trump: stop fighting these legal battles. They said, “Mr. Trump doesn’t like to lose, but in these cases he would be wise to cut his losses before he goes zero for nine at the Supreme Court.”
The board suggested that if Trump keeps appealing these rulings, he might end up losing even more cases. They warned that continuing this fight could backfire and make him look even worse.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another political fight. It’s about the balance of power in the U.S. and whether the president can unilaterally target certain groups or businesses. The judges and the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board are sending a clear message: the Constitution sets limits on executive power, and Trump crossed that line.
If Trump keeps losing these cases, it could set a precedent for future presidents. It could also damage his reputation as a leader who respects the rule of law.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced legal challenges, and it probably won’t be the last. But what’s unusual here is that even conservative judges and media outlets are turning against him. This shows that the issue isn’t just political—it’s about upholding the Constitution.
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, which is known for its conservative views, is rarely this critical of Republican leaders. Their strong stance against Trump suggests that his actions have crossed a line, even for his allies.
What’s Next?
For now, Trump’s legal team is still deciding whether to appeal these rulings. If they do, the cases could end up in the Supreme Court. But as the editorial board warned, Trump might not want to take that risk.
If the Supreme Court rules against him, it would be a major embarrassment. It could also weaken his position as a potential candidate in the next election.
Final Thoughts
The battle between Trump and the big law firms is more than just a legal fight—it’s a test of presidential power. The courts have made it clear that Trump’s actions are unconstitutional, and even his allies are turning against him.
As the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board said, Trump would be wise to walk away from this fight before it gets worse. But knowing Trump, it’s unclear if he’ll take that advice. One thing is certain: this isn’t the last we’ve heard of this story.