New court documents allege that former Trump advisor Steve Bannon was a covert operative aiding the White House in an alleged extortion scheme targeting top law firms.

The scheme, detailed in filings, claims Bannon and Trump's personal lawyer Boris Epshteyn orchestrated efforts to extort nearly $1 billion in free legal work from firms by leveraging executive orders.These orders stripped employees of security clearances, cut government contracts, and barred lawyers from federal buildings.Nine firms ultimately paid to halt the measures, with the White House allegedly using the threat of legal retaliation to pressure them.

The American Bar Association argues that private citizens like Bannon and Epshteyn cannot claim executive privilege to shield their communications, as they lack official government roles.Internal emails confirm Trump personally directed the effort, with a draft executive order titled 'Solving_Paul_Weiss_v2.docx' sent by White House strategist May Mailman.

Legal experts suggest the administration's actions constitute extortion, as prosecutors could argue the firms offered pro bono services in exchange for Trump's influence.

The White House has refused to comply with ABA requests for documents, citing overly broad demands, while the legal profession faces chilling effects from potential retaliation.