Part 4/8:
The recent decision by Paul Weiss to provide $40 million in pro bono services in support of Trump’s agenda serves as a pivotal moment. The firm, having previously challenged Trump’s executive orders in court, ultimately decided to yield under pressure. Many view this as a notable shift, marking a point where a major institution effectively capitulates to the demands of a sitting president.
One commentator described this decision as an “abject surrender”, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for other law firms and institutions, illustrating a scenario where compliance becomes a norm over resistance. The fear is that this type of yielding could embolden the government to pursue greater scrutiny of other organizations and firms perceived as adversaries in the political landscape.