Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has used his office to threaten or punish people he says have wronged him in the past. That includes prominent law firms that have represented Democratic causes or hired attorneys who have investigated him, such as former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. 

To get back on Trump’s good side, some law firms are now pledging to do pro bono work for causes the administration supports. As of late last week, some law firms Trump has pressured have promised him nearly a billion dollars in legal services. Others are taking the administration to court.

Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with law enforcement and criminal justice reporter Mark Berman about how Trump is using the power of the presidency to muzzle private law firms and why many lawyers say his moves undermine the entire justice system.

Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. 

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