Top Democratic lawmakers have renewed demands for detailed information from a major law firm that entered into an unusual agreement with the Trump administration to avoid enforcement of a controversial executive order, signaling plans to investigate such arrangements if they regain control of Congress following the midterm elections.
On Tuesday, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Senator Adam B. Schiff of California, sent a letter to the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom seeking documents and explanations related to its deals with the White House. Under the agreement reached, Skadden committed to providing $100 million in pro bono legal work supporting causes endorsed by former President Donald Trump, effectively defusing the threat posed by the executive order. It subsequently emerged that Trump’s personal attorney also facilitated connections between Skadden and the Commerce Department for additional legal services.
The executive order in question threatened severe repercussions for firms refusing to cooperate, prompting at least eight other major law firms to similarly negotiate settlements with the administration, collectively pledging approximately $1 billion in free legal work. Meanwhile, four firms challenged the orders in court and successfully resisted compliance.
In their correspondence, the lawmakers pressed Skadden for details on the scope and nature of its pro bono commitments, inquiries about potential conflicts of interest—particularly concerning the firm’s advisory role for the chipmaker Intel during the Trump administration’s acquisition of a 10 percent stake in the company—and requests to disclose whether fear of retaliation influenced firms’ willingness to accept or reject clients.
The Democratic lawmakers currently lack subpoena power as the minority but stressed that such authority would enable more rigorous oversight. Blumenthal specifically expressed interest in compelling Brad Karp, former chairman of the firm Paul Weiss, to testify about a similar deal Paul Weiss struck with the administration in March 2025. The deal marked a notable shift, as Paul Weiss had previously been known for supporting progressive causes.
“A lot of really good lawyers have left Paul Weiss because they couldn’t stomach this corrupt bargain, and they probably know more than we know,” Blumenthal said. He also suggested that whistleblowers and other insiders could provide additional insight. The senators emphasized their intention not only to expose potential wrongdoing but to establish legal safeguards that prevent such arrangements in the future.
The renewed inquiry underscores the unresolved questions surrounding the legal profession’s response to the Trump administration’s executive order. It also highlights Democrats’ concerns about the implications for the rule of law when firms make deals under executive pressure.
Last week, it was reported that amid a lawsuit filed by the American Bar Association challenging the administration’s tactics, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to the leaders of every firm that faced the threat of the executive order, seeking testimony and documents. The department also requested records from firms, including communications involving Trump’s personal lawyer Boris Epshteyn, involved in brokering the agreements.
Skadden did not respond to requests for comment, and prior inquiries by Democrats have produced limited disclosures. However, lawmakers signaled their determination to pursue further investigations if the political landscape shifts after November’s elections.