March 19, 2025
Trump’s Executive Order Targets Perkins Coie: Major Implications for Marketing Compliance and Corporate Governance
Trump’s executive order targeting Perkins Coie signals a major shift in marketing compliance and corporate governance. Learn how new federal oversight impacts DEI programs, hiring practices, advertising compliance, and risk management for law firms, businesses, and government contractors.
Austin Carroll
CEO & Co-Founder
News
3 minutes
In a dramatic move with wide-reaching implications for marketing compliance and corporate governance, former President Donald Trump has issued an executive order targeting the prominent law firm Perkins Coie. Best known for its political affiliations and involvement in the Steele dossier, Perkins Coie now faces unprecedented restrictions—including revoked security clearances, a ban from federal properties, and frozen access to government contracts.
This executive order doesn’t just affect legal entities. It signals a significant shift in how businesses manage compliance risk, especially regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and advertising compliance.
Why Trump’s Executive Order Should Matter to Compliance and Marketing Teams
Trump’s history with Perkins Coie is well-documented, but this latest move extends beyond legal disputes. The order introduces federal oversight that could impact compliance standards for law firms, corporations, and government contractors.
Key takeaways for businesses in regulated industries:
Heightened Scrutiny of DEI Initiatives
Companies must review their hiring practices, DEI programs, and employee policies to ensure they meet evolving compliance requirements. Any perceived preferential treatment based on race or politics could trigger federal investigations.
Advertising and Marketing Compliance Risks
Marketing teams promoting DEI initiatives or politically sensitive campaigns need to exercise caution. Publicly showcasing affiliations or taking political stances in advertising could now invite regulatory review, especially for firms with federal contracts.
Vendor and Partnership Risk Management
Businesses must assess the compliance status of third-party partners, especially legal counsel and marketing agencies. Associations with scrutinized organizations could expose companies to compliance violations or government penalties.
A New Era of Regulatory Oversight for Marketing Compliance
Trump’s executive order signals a broader trend: government intervention in corporate compliance is intensifying. This isn’t just about law firms—it’s about how businesses govern their advertising practices, internal policies, and public-facing communications.
Companies operating in highly regulated industries such as finance, insurance, and healthcare must ensure their marketing materials and compliance workflows are airtight. Expect deeper audits into advertising approvals, marketing claims, and client disclosures as government scrutiny ramps up.
What Marketing and Compliance Teams Should Do Now:
Conduct an immediate compliance review of DEI initiatives and public-facing campaigns.
Audit advertising review processes to ensure alignment with federal regulations.
Reassess risk management strategies for partnerships and vendor relationships.
Final Thoughts: Prepare for Increased Marketing Compliance Enforcement
Whether you’re a marketing compliance officer, general counsel, or CMO, this is a wake-up call. In today’s regulatory landscape, maintaining advertising compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your reputation and securing future government opportunities.
