[VT Washington, D.C.] March 21, 2025 – President Donald Trump has issued a memorandum directing the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to strengthen oversight of lawyers and law firms, ensuring adherence to U.S. laws and professional conduct, particularly in cases affecting national security, public safety, and election integrity.
The memorandum highlights concerns over recent legal misconduct, citing incidents such as the involvement of a prominent attorney in the creation of a controversial “dossier” linked to foreign interference in the 2016 presidential election. Additionally, it addresses abuses in immigration litigation, where some attorneys allegedly coach clients to submit false claims to bypass immigration laws.
President Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to enforce Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, imposing sanctions on attorneys who present baseless legal arguments or misleading information in court. The memorandum also mandates a review of litigation against the federal government over the past eight years, with potential actions including the revocation of security clearances or termination of federal contracts for attorneys engaged in professional misconduct.
