In a direct challenge to what they describe as intimidation and political retribution by the Trump administration, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 19 other attorneys general, issued a call to the legal community to stand united in the face of bullying. According to a statement released on the Illinois Attorney General's website, the Trump administration's recent actions against legal professionals and law firms that represent clients in opposition to the administration have caused concern. Raoul stressed, "Attacking attorneys because they argued a case against the government or represented a particular client cuts to the heart of the legal profession and threatens our work."

This coalition of attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Massachusetts notes the issuance of executive orders by the president aimed at exacting revenge over ideological differences, punishing firms for representing clients adverse to Trump or his allies. President Trump's maneuvers included canceling government contracts, stripping lawyers of security clearances, barring them from public buildings, and violating client privacy, with a mandate that clients must disclose their contracts with targeted firms. In a maneuver raising eyebrows, targeted by the administration was one firm agreeing to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion practices as a result of this pressure, additionally providing $40 million in pro bono work to causes supported by Trump.

The attorneys general stated, “It is also dangerous for the president to attempt to vilify the judiciary whenever they don’t agree with him,” as Raoul said in the announcement. They are encouraging their colleagues in the legal community to resist by not dropping clients or refusing cases for fear of political revenge. The coalition's letter makes it clear they will defend the rule of law and reject these attempts at coercion.

Consequences of the administration's hardline approach to dissent were quickly felt, as one law firm already capitulated to the administration's demands, effectively chilling the courage to stand against possible future edicts. In addition to economic sanctions and personal attacks, one executive order also directs the U.S. attorney general, with state attorneys general, to "investigate" law firms that espouse or implement diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Firms caught in the administration's crosshairs face not only financial peril but a tarnishing of their commitment to ideals that are fundamental to the profession. The attorneys general continue their defiance, rallying the community to support one another and preserve the judiciary's independence, with Raoul leading the charge against what they claim to be baseless attacks on federal judges ruling unfavorably toward the administration.