Trump Admin Lambastes ‘Unelected’ Judge for Law Firm Executive Order TRO in Defiant Memo

The Trump administration has continued its contentious relationship with the judiciary, accusing U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of overstepping his authority by blocking an executive order aimed at the law firm Jenner & Block. In a defiant move, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought issued a memo condemning Bates’ temporary restraining order (TRO) and reaffirming their stance on the executive order targeting the Chicago-based firm.

A Clash Over Separation of Powers

The administration’s memo, which was required by Bates’ order, criticized the judge for allegedly violating the separation of powers doctrine. The memo contended that a district judge does not have the authority to interfere with the President’s executive order or instruct federal officials to send the required notification. Bondi and Vought argued that Bates’ ruling represented an infringement on the executive branch’s policymaking and free speech rights. “On March 28, 2025, an unelected district court yet again invaded the policymaking and free speech prerogatives of the executive branch,” the memo stated. It further criticized the judge for demanding that the Attorney General and OMB Director personally notify government agencies about the TRO. The memo also called for the Supreme Court to intervene, suggesting that local district judges are overstepping their constitutional role.

The Executive Order Targeting Jenner & Block

The controversy centers around an executive order signed by President Trump on March 25, 2025, titled “Addressing Risks from Jenner & Block.” The order accuses the law firm of engaging in “partisan lawfare,” and undermining justice through its pro bono practices. The Trump administration claims that Jenner & Block’s actions are detrimental to U.S. interests and national security. As part of the order, federal agencies were instructed to terminate any contracts with the firm, revoke security clearances from its employees, and restrict its access to government buildings. The law firm responded by filing a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the order violated its rights. Judge Bates issued a TRO, halting these actions and preventing the government from labeling Jenner & Block as a national security threat or accusing it of discriminatory practices.

Continued Defiance Despite Legal Setback

Despite Bates’ ruling, the Trump administration showed no sign of backing down. In the memo, Bondi and Vought reiterated the accusations against Jenner & Block, describing the firm as “committed to the weaponization of justice, discrimination based on race, radical gender ideology, and other anti-American pursuits.” The memo also left open the possibility of continuing actions against the firm despite the court’s temporary halt.

The administration emphasized that, while the court’s order prohibited certain actions, federal agencies still have the authority to choose with whom they do business. Bondi and Vought made it clear that the Trump administration considers the executive order necessary and reserved the right to take further legal action concerning Jenner & Block’s alleged involvement in lawfare and national security concerns.

In what many believe was an intentional move to provoke the judge, the memo suggested that agencies could continue blacklisting Jenner & Block under the guise of routine business decisions. The ongoing legal battle between the Trump administration and the judiciary is expected to escalate, with the potential for further court challenges and appeals in the coming weeks.