President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of security clearances held by lawyers at Covington & Burling, a prominent Washington law firm that provided legal services to special counsel Jack Smith. This move is seen as part of Trump’s campaign of retribution against those involved in the criminal investigations that targeted him before he returned to office. Covington & Burling, known for its high-profile attorneys like Eric Holder and Lanny Breuer, agreed to represent Smith when it became clear he would be under government investigation.

Trump’s directive to suspend clearances of those associated with Smith is perceived as an act of revenge against his political adversaries, with Smith being a primary target. The memo directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to suspend the security clearances of Peter Koski, an attorney representing Smith, and all members of Covington who assisted Smith during his tenure as special counsel. This action follows the firing of members of Smith’s team and is intended to dissuade lawyers and law firms from providing legal services to investigators who have focused on Trump.

The Justice Department under President Joe Biden has been accused by Bondi and other Republicans of being “weaponized” against conservatives, particularly Trump. Smith, appointed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, oversaw investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election. These investigations led to indictments, but legal challenges and departmental policies ultimately led to their dismissal after Trump’s reelection.

Overall, Trump’s targeting of Covington & Burling and legal professionals associated with Smith reflects his ongoing efforts to settle scores with those he perceives as adversaries, demonstrating the contentious nature of political and legal battles in Washington.