From Marc Elias <[email protected]>
Subject A billion dollar betrayal
Date April 15, 2025 11:35 AM
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
Since beginning his second term, Donald Trump has installed sycophants to lead the Department of Justice, U.S. attorney’s offices and the FBI. He has fired Inspectors General and purged career lawyers from key positions.

View in browser ([link removed] )

Logo-300dpi ([link removed] )

Since beginning his second term, Donald Trump has installed sycophants to lead the Department of Justice, U.S. attorney’s offices and the FBI. He has fired Inspectors General and purged career lawyers from key positions. Lawyers who prioritized their ethical obligations over loyalty to Trump have been dismissed and replaced with those willing to do whatever it takes to remain in his good graces.

Meanwhile, Trump has targeted lawyers and law firms through unconstitutional and illegal executive orders and memoranda designed to punish those who dare to oppose him. While some have stood tall and refused to be intimidated, others are simply trying to stay out of his crosshairs.

Some of the nation’s largest law firms have bent the knee and agreed to collaborate in his efforts to undermine the rule of law. Collectively, these firms have committed nearly $1 billion in free legal services to support his pet causes.

At the same time, a constellation of right-wing legal organizations continues to raise money from pro-Trump billionaires to advance their MAGA agenda. Although pro-democracy law firms and legal nonprofits continue to do their part, the combination of hardcore government loyalists, $1 billion in pro-Trump pro bono work and an energized right-wing legal infrastructure poses an existential threat.

Like many professions facing an authoritarian regime, much of the legal industry has remained in denial. When Pam Bondi was nominated as Attorney General, too many lawyers stayed silent. They overlooked her record as a Trump loyalist and election denier, hoping for the best.

When DOJ lawyers began defending indefensible policies…

You're reading a preview of Marc's weekly tip sheet where he debriefs the news from the weekend and lays out the trends and stories to watch in the week ahead. In this tip sheet, Marc dives into:

- The false choice for law firms between fighting back and capitulating

- Trump’s burgeoning legal army and its implications on the rule of law

- A defensive playbook for law partners, government lawyers, progressive groups and more

- Five tips to stand tall against Trump’s attacks on the legal system

UPGRADE TO READ THE REST
([link removed] )

Facebook ([link removed] )

X ([link removed] )

Instagram ([link removed] )

Bluesky_Logo-grey (2) ([link removed] )

YouTube ([link removed] )

Website ([link removed] )

TikTok ([link removed] )

We also understand that not everyone is able to make this commitment, which is why our free daily and weekly newsletters aren’t going anywhere! If you prefer not to receive samples of our premium content and only want our free daily and weekly newsletters, you can manage your preferences ([link removed] ) or unsubscribe ([link removed] ) .

Democracy Docket, LLC

250 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 400

Washington, D.C., 20009
Screenshot of the email generated on import

Message Analysis