The order against the firm, which did work for Democrats during the 2016 campaign, represents an escalation of efforts to punish groups the president sees as aiding his enemies.

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, a prominent Seattle-based law firm that regularly represents Democratic and liberal groups.

President Donald Trump says he is suspending the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm involved in launching since-discredited opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into any ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.