Trump Secures Settlements with Milbank & Willkie Farr

President Trump has secured agreements with major law firms Milbank LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, mandating each to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services for causes the administration supports, such as aiding veterans and combating antisemitism. These deals are part of Trump's strategy to pressure firms with ties to his political adversaries, threatening them with executive orders that could impact their government contracts and operations. Milbank and Willkie agreed to avoid diversity-based hiring practices and not deny representation based on clients' political affiliations. The agreements stem from Trump's broader campaign against what he perceives as partisan lawfare and the weaponization of the legal system. Notably, Doug Emhoff's, Kamala Harris's spouse, opposition to the Willkie deal highlights internal dissent within targeted firms. Meanwhile, some firms, like Paul, Weiss, have chosen legal battles over settlements, challenging the executive orders in court.