Vice President Kamala Harris is calling out major Washington D.C. law firms for aligning themselves with former President Donald Trump’s administration—and one of those firms just happens to be the former employer of her own husband, Doug Emhoff.
Speaking Thursday at the Leading Women Defined Summit, Harris delivered a passionate critique of legal institutions she believes are giving in to Trump’s demands, seemingly referencing Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the same firm where Emhoff once worked.
“There is a sense of fear that has been taking hold in our country. And I understand it. But we’re seeing people stay quiet,” Harris said during her speech.
“We are seeing organizations stay quiet. We are seeing those who are capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats.”
Timing Sparks Speculation: Was It a Direct Shot at Doug’s Former Law Firm?
Though she never explicitly named Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the timing of her speech raised eyebrows—especially since the firm recently agreed to provide over $100 million worth of pro bono legal services to Trump’s administration and related causes.
A source familiar with the matter told TMZ that Doug Emhoff expressed disagreement with his firm’s decision to align with Trump, urging its leadership to stand their ground rather than pursue the deal.
Trump’s Playbook: Reward Loyalty, Punish Dissent
The former president has reportedly been leveraging executive powers to punish law firms that represent or support his political opponents. These consequences allegedly include revoking building access, limiting federal contracts, and threatening their client relationships—essentially choking off their business if they don’t cooperate.
More Read
Faced with this pressure, several major firms—including Willkie Farr & Gallagher—have chosen to strike deals with Trump, hoping to avoid retaliation. Critics argue this is a clear sign of complicity, while others see it as a business survival tactic.
Pro Bono “For Patriots”—But at What Cost?
Trump has defended the law firms now working with his team, claiming their pro bono services will benefit veterans, Gold Star families, law enforcement, and first responders. Notably, he emphasized that these partnerships would not support any “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs, which aligns with his administration’s anti-DEI stance.
The legal work is expected to support Trump’s ongoing post-election agenda, as he continues to shape federal policy and legal battles from a position of renewed power.
Doug Emhoff Caught in the Crossfire?
Kamala Harris’s blistering critique has led to new questions about Doug Emhoff’s future with his former firm. As Second Gentleman, Emhoff has largely stayed away from controversial headlines, but now finds himself uncomfortably close to a firestorm involving both his employer and his wife’s political rival.
No word yet on whether Emhoff plans to publicly address the situation—or whether he’ll formally cut ties with Willkie Farr & Gallagher in light of the controversy.
Political Divide Hits Close to Home
This latest clash underscores the growing tension in Washington as law firms, businesses, and even families are forced to choose sides in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
As Kamala Harris ramps up her re-election campaign efforts alongside President Biden, her firm stance against what she sees as legal capitulation to Trump could become a defining theme of the 2024 election cycle.
