The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday reinstated its appeal defending executive orders issued by Donald Trump that imposed sanctions on several prominent law firms, reversing a decision announced just one day earlier.

On Monday, government attorneys filed a brief with the federal appeals court in Washington, withdrawing their appeal, effectively ending efforts to enforce the executive actions against four firms: Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and WilmerHale.

However, in a new filing Tuesday, the department withdrew its prior motion and informed the court it would proceed with the appeal. The filing did not explain the change in position, stating only that because the appeals court had not yet granted the motion to dismiss, the firms were not legally harmed by the reversal. The department said attorneys for the four firms were notified and objected to the move.

The White House directed inquiries to the Justice Department, which declined further comment.

The executive orders at issue suspended security clearances for attorneys at the targeted firms, terminated certain federal contracts, and restricted employee access to federal buildings. The administration has argued the measures were justified in response to legal work and associations the president opposed, including representation connected to investigations involving Trump.

Federal judges reviewing challenges from the firms previously ruled against the government, prompting the appeal. The firms have described the executive actions as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the legal profession.

In statements following the latest development, Perkins Coie said the department provided no explanation for its reversal and affirmed it would continue defending its attorneys and clients. Susman Godfrey likewise said it would defend itself and the rule of law.

Separate from the litigation, other major law firms have reached agreements with the administration aimed at avoiding similar executive orders. Those arrangements include commitments to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in pro bono legal services supporting causes aligned with administration priorities.

The renewed appeal ensures the dispute over the executive orders will continue in federal court as both sides press their legal arguments.