Trump's DOJ Flips On Big Law, Then Flips Back in 24 Hours

Trump's DOJ Flips On Big Law, Then Flips Back in 24 Hours

Published: March 4, 2026

Duration: 38:36

One year ago, Donald Trump launched his war on law firms with unconstitutional executive orders targeting firms he didn't like. Four firms fought back and won. Nine others capitulated, pledging over $1 billion in free legal services to Trump-favored causes. And 187 of the top 200 law firms said nothing.
Now, in an unprecedented move, Trump's Department of Justice dismissed its own appeal against the firms that fought back — only to reinstate it the very next morning. Marc Elias, who has practiced law for 30 years, explains why this has never happened before, what it means for the rule of law, and wh...