Addressing Risks from Susman Godfrey – The White House

By the authority granted to me as President under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I hereby issue the following directive:

Section 1. Background. Legal professionals and firms whose actions compromise essential American interests must be denied access to our nation’s confidential information, and their activities should not be funded by taxpayer dollars or federal contracts. My Administration is committed to taking necessary steps to prevent actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest arising from government interactions with law firms that undermine our core priorities and interests.
It has come to my attention that action is warranted against Susman Godfrey LLP (Susman), which has been a leading force in manipulating the American legal framework to the detriment of our electoral integrity. Susman has also been involved in financing organizations that seek to inject political radicalism into our military, thereby jeopardizing its effectiveness, and engages in racially discriminatory practices. For instance, Susman operates a program that grants financial incentives and job opportunities exclusively to “students of color.” My Administration is dedicated to eradicating such unlawful discrimination disguised as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” efforts, ensuring that federal resources align with the laws enhancing our national security and upholding the democratic process. Entities that engage in overt discrimination or actions contrary to U.S. interests should be barred from accessing our national secrets and should not be entrusted with federal funds.

Sec.2. Security Clearance Review. (a) The Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and other relevant heads of executive departments and agencies are instructed to take immediate measures, in accordance with applicable law, to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals affiliated with Susman, pending a review of their alignment with national interests.
(b) The Office of Management and Budget shall identify all government assets, resources, materials, and services provided to Susman, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities. Agency heads providing such resources shall, to the extent permitted by law, swiftly halt these provisions.

Sec.3. Contracting. (a) To avert the misuse of taxpayer funds for supporting contractors whose activities diverge from American interests, including racial discrimination, government contracting agencies shall, as permitted by law, require contractors to disclose any dealings with Susman and how these relate to government contracts.
(b) Agency heads shall reassess all contracts with Susman or with entities that acknowledge business ties with Susman as outlined in subsection (a). To the extent allowed by law, they shall:
(i) take necessary actions to terminate any contracts where Susman is engaged in services, and
(ii) align their funding decisions with the priorities and goals of American citizens as articulated in executive initiatives, particularly Executive Order 14147 of January 20, 2025 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government). Within 30 days of this order’s issuance, agencies shall report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding contracts with Susman or with entities that do business with Susman, including any consequent actions taken.

Sec.4. Racial Discrimination. This order does not limit the authority granted by section 4 of Executive Order 14230 of March 6, 2025 (Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP).

Sec.5. Personnel. (a) Agency heads shall provide guidance, to the extent allowed by law, restricting access to federal buildings for Susman employees when such access poses a risk to national security or contradicts U.S. interests. Additionally, agency heads shall guide government employees in their official capacity to limit engagement with Susman employees to maintain national security consistency.
(b) Agency officials shall refrain from hiring Susman employees, unless a waiver is granted by the agency head in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, confirming that such hiring will not compromise U.S. national security.

Sec.6. General Provisions. (a) This order shall not impair or affect:
(i) the legally granted authority to any executive department or agency, or its head; or
(ii) functions relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals as managed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(b) Implementation of this order shall comply with applicable law and be subject to available appropriations.
(c) This order does not create any rights or benefits enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, officials, employees, or any other individual.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 9, 2025.