Top law firms sidelined as midterms near
The gist
A New York Times review found none of the nine law firms that struck deals with Trump are publicly involved in major midterm legal efforts.
The firms pledged nearly a billion dollars in free legal work to causes Trump champions.
How it unfolded
- Oct 29, 2026The Justice Department under Trump escalated an investigation into Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar with a search of her home, brought criminal charges against two former FBI officials, revealed a fresh attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, and filed lawsuits in Alaska and California related to next week's voting.
- Oct 31, 2026A New York Times review found none of the nine law firms that struck deals to avoid crippling executive orders are publicly involved in the major legal efforts to check the administration's attempts to meddle in the midterms.
- Oct 31, 2026Paul Weiss, one of the nine firms, was largely on the sidelines as Norm Eisen prepared to lead a coalition vowing to stop Trump if he tries to interfere in the midterms, according to Eisen and a lawyer with direct knowledge.