President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders targeting major U.S. law firms, including WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and Paul, Weiss.

Trump orders declared the law firms a national security risk.

These orders revoke security clearances, cancel federal contracts, and restrict access to government buildings for these firms.

It's clear that these actions are retaliatory, aimed at firms that have represented political opponents or causes contrary to Trump’s interests.

Such use of executive power raises serious constitutional questions.

Legal experts and civil rights advocates contend that these orders infringe upon First Amendment rights and undermine the independence of the legal profession.

Perkins Coie and WilmerHale were singled out in March by Trump for punishment with individualized executive orders, owing largely to past legal work on behalf of clients opposing Mr. Trump and policies he had championed. These two firms have asked the courts on Wednesday to permanently block Trump's executive orders, declaring them a national security risk, which curtails their ability to do high-level legal work. 

Courts have already issued temporary restraining orders against some provisions, acknowledging potential constitutional violations. But that's not enough.

We call upon Judges Beryl A. Howell and Richard J. Leon of the Federal District Court in Washington to permanently block Trump's executive orders to prevent further erosion of constitutional protections - and to protect the independence of the legal profession.

Affirm the independence of the legal profession and the right of law firms to represent clients without fear of government retaliation.