'Trump Appears Confused': Legal Reporter Says President Got Basic Facts Wrong in Lawsuit

Trump Criticizes Judge Howell in Post, Calls Her “Biased and Unfair”

President Donald Trump announced legal action against the law firm Perkins Coie, stating that he is suing them for “unlawful acts.”

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, "I’m suing the law firm of Perkins Coie for their egregious and unlawful acts, in particular the conduct of a specific member of this firm, only to find out that the Judge assigned to this case is Beryl Howell, an Obama appointment, and a highly biased and unfair disaster." The White House / Wikimedia

Cheney Says “Trump Appears Confused” About Judge and Case Location

Politico legal reporter Kyle Cheney responded by stating, "Trump appears confused here." According to Cheney, the lawsuit Trump filed against Perkins Coie was brought in Florida and was assigned to U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, who was appointed prior to President Obama’s time in office. @kyledcheney / X

Florida Judge Dismissed Trump’s Lawsuit and Issued Sanctions

That case has already been dismissed, and Judge Middlebrooks issued sanctions against Trump and his attorney, Alina Habba. Julia Demaree Nikhinson-Pool via Imagn Images

Separate Case in D.C.: Perkins Coie Suing Administration Over Executive Order

Separately, in Washington, D.C., Judge Beryl Howell is presiding over a different case in which Perkins Coie is suing the Trump administration. That case involves Executive Order 14230, which the firm claims unfairly targets it. Perkins Coie / Wikimedia

Judge Blocks Enforcement of Disclosure Rules Targeting Law Firm

As part of that case, Judge Howell issued a temporary restraining order blocking aspects of the executive order, including a provision that directed federal agencies to require contractors to disclose any business with Perkins Coie. Howell’s order required those agencies to halt the disclosure requests and rescind any made previously. Administrative Office of the United States Courts / Wikimedia

Court Orders Administration to Inform All Agencies of Restraining Order

After the Trump administration argued that it was not obligated to inform all agencies affected, Judge Howell issued a follow-up order directing the administration "to immediately issue guidance to all other agencies" covered by the executive order. The White House / Wikimedia