Published on February 25, 2025
This presidential memorandum directs the suspension of security clearances for Peter Koski and Covington & Burling LLP employees who assisted Special Counsel Jack Smith, pending a review of their roles in alleged "weaponization of the judicial process." The action also mandates the termination of government contracts with Covington & Burling LLP where legally permissible and requires agencies to review all existing contracts with the firm.
This action appears to be a retaliatory measure disguised as a security review, potentially aiming to intimidate and financially damage a law firm and individuals involved in previous investigations against the administration. The vague reference to "weaponization of the judicial process" and broad scope affecting all firm employees, not just those directly involved with Special Counsel Smith, suggests this could be an attempt to create a chilling effect on law firms and individuals who might participate in future investigations or legal actions against the administration.
While presented as a national security measure to address alleged misconduct, this memorandum more likely represents an attempt to consolidate executive power by deterring legal opposition and creating precedent for using administrative authority to target perceived adversaries. The broad application and immediate enforcement suggest this action could have far-reaching implications for the independence of legal institutions and the willingness of professionals to participate in government oversight activities.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SUBJECT: Suspension of Security Clearances and Evaluationof Government ContractsI hereby direct the Attorney General and all other relevant heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to immediately take steps consistent with applicable law to suspend any active security clearances held by Peter Koski and all members, partners, and employees of Covington & Burling LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith during his time as Special Counsel, pending a review and determination of their roles and responsibilities, if any, in the weaponization of the judicial process. I also direct the Attorney General and heads of agencies to take such actions as are necessary to terminate any engagement of Covington & Burling LLP by any agency to the maximum extent permitted by law and consistent with the memorandum that shall be issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.Additionally, if any of the covered Covington & Burling LLP members, partners, and employees referenced in this memorandum obtained a security clearance from an agency not included as an addressee of this memorandum, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall provide this memorandum to the appropriate clearance-granting agency to ensure compliance. I further direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue a memorandum to all agencies to review all Government contracts with Covington & Burling LLP. To the extent permitted by applicable law, heads of agencies shall align their agency funding decisions with the interests of the citizens of the United States; with the goals and priorities of my Administration as expressed in executive actions, especially Executive Order 14147 of January 20, 2025 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government); and as heads of agencies deem appropriate. This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.