FOXNews Politics | 6 hours ago | Politics
The Trump administration has increased its efforts to undermine the influence of the American Bar Association (ABA) through the Labor Department, which joined other agencies in formally cutting ties with the legal group. The relationship between the ABA and federal agencies has been fraught since Trump's tenure, with several departments severing official ties.
This move marks another chapter in the ongoing political battle between the Trump administration and the ABA. Notable instances of conflict include Trump's decision in 2017 not to seek the ABA's subject-matter expertise ahead of federal judicial appointments—a precedent set by past administrations. In addition to this, the Education Department withdrew the ABA's ability to accredit new law schools in 2018.
The ABA, which stands as the largest voluntary association of lawyers locally and internationally, has addressed these conflicts by stating that its services are still available to any federal agency. They also mentioned that these services are not to be influenced by partisan politics. This underscores the association's dedication to maintaining its principles of independence and its mandate to advance jurisprudence, regardless of the administration in power.
The Labor Department has not issued any formal reason for severing connections with the ABA. However, this recent development highlights the continuing struggle between the Trump administration and organizations seen as contrary or unfavorable to its policy rationale. This strategic move can be seen as part of a broader intent within the Trump administration to exert greater control over judicial appointments and law school accreditations—areas traditionally influenced by the ABA.