Judge refuses to recuse herself from Perkins Coie case

A federal judge on Wednesday declined to recuse herself from the law firm Perkins Coie's case against President Donald Trump, stating the Justice Department (DOJ) failed to provide any "legitimate basis" for their request.

The Justice Department asked U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell to recuse herself from the lawsuit last week, arguing that she had already demonstrated a bias against the president. 

The lawsuit challenges an executive order by the president that targeted the Perkins Coie law firm. The order cited the firm's “dishonest and dangerous activity," stripping it of its clearances and essentially barring its attorneys from federal buildings.

Howell slammed the Justice Department over its request, which she said read more like a talking point from Congress than a letter by the DOJ. The judge also accused the department of blaming her for its own failure to make a winning argument.

“Though this adage is commonplace, and the tactic overused, it is called to mind by defendants’ pending motion to disqualify this Court: ‘When you can’t attack the message, attack the messenger,’” Howell, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, wrote in a 21-page ruling.

Howell also said she welcomed the opportunity to set the record straight on her ruling. 

“Every litigating party deserves a fair and impartial hearing to determine both what the material facts are and how the law best applies to those facts,” the judge wrote. “That fundamental promise, however, does not entitle any party — not even those with the power and prestige of the President of the United States or a federal agency — to demand adherence to their own version of the facts and preferred legal outcome.” 

Howell is the second judge that the Justice Department has asked to recuse themselves over an alleged bias against Trump. The department also asked U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg to recuse himself in a case.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.