An amicus brief, promoted by Norton Law Firm, explicitly named Covington & Burling among the law firms standing up to defend the rule of law against executive overreach. This mention highlights the firm's commitment to upholding democratic principles amid increasing authoritarian pressures.

Covington & Burling faced punitive measures from the Trump administration for representing former Special Counsel Jack Smith. An executive order revoked security clearances for its attorneys and threatened to cancel government business, highlighting the firm's decision to support pro bono representation for DOJ figures despite internal pressures and client concerns.

On February 25, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order targeting Covington & Burling for representing former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The order, which mandates termination of government contracts and suspension of security clearances for the firm’s personnel involved in Jack Smith’s case, is widely seen as a retaliatory measure aimed at intimidating legal professionals who uphold the rule of law.

President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum suspending security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP employees allegedly involved in weaponizing the judicial process. This action, which also launches a comprehensive review of the firm's federal contracts, follows the firm's provision of pro bono legal services to former Special Counsel Jack Smith—a service interpreted by the administration as part of a broader partisan agenda. From an anti‐fascist perspective, the firm’s legal work to uphold accountability is a sign of commitment to democratic principles, despite being targeted by politically motivated measures.