Executive Branch
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis of the U.S. executive branch related to national security, rights, and the rule of law. Analysis and informational resources focus on the executive branch’s powers and their limits, and the actions of the president, administrative agencies, and federal officials.
Highlights:
Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions
A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
The Cynicism Behind the Administration’s Proposed Forced Labor Tariffs
The labor issues the U.S. Trade Representative claims to investigate are real problems. They should not become pretexts for tariffs the administration already wants.
Time to Repeal INARA and Move Forward with the Iran MoU
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act should be repealed or amended. The alternatives are extending a disastrous war of choice or ignoring the law.
More Than an Own Goal: Understanding U.S. World Cup Choices as a Message About Hard and Soft Power
The American people, as the ultimate owners of the country's soft power, can convey a desire for international engagement even as the government chooses a different message.
Key Questions on U.S. Killing Tren de Aragua Leader Inside Venezuela
Does the killing of Tren de Aragua's leader by the U.S. military in Venezuela constitute murder? An extrajudicial killing? What was its purported legal basis?
4,720 Articles
Reflections from Today’s Judiciary on the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Many actions taken by the current administration echo the grievances laid out in the Declaration of Independence against King George III.
Deep Sea Mining and the Logic of Contracting Around the Commons
A non-binding U.S.-Japan agreement on deep-sea mining highlights the weaknesses and vulnerability of the International Seabed Authority.
Blanche Is Targeting the D.C. Bar to Remove Ethical Guardrails for the Justice Department
Legal ethics expert warns Acting AG Todd Blanche's lawsuit against the DC Bar is part of a broader campaign to free DOJ lawyers from the ethical rules governing their peers.
Legal Considerations Related to the Anthropic “Export Controls Directive”
"The breadth of the order issued with respect to the Anthropic models is unprecedented."
The Mythos Recall and Washington’s Missing AI Safety Playbook
"Further evidence of the need for a regulatory system that provides a more stable equilibrium for stakeholders to operate."
Thoughts for Judge Advocates in Challenging Times
Former JAGs provide principles to guide U.S. military lawyers as the U.S. armed forces faces unprecedented legal and ethical pressures.
US-Central African Republic Deportation Agreement Escalates Attack on Immigrants and Puts Lives at Risk
Congress should demand transparency and require the U.S. government to publicly release third-country deportation agreements, including with the Central African Republic.
A Year Later: The Stakes of Ordering Military Personnel to Police American Streets
One year since Trump sent the National Guard to LA, a new report warns military deployments for domestic policing produce escalation, disillusionment, and politicization.
AI ‘Regulation’ in the Chokepoint State
President Trump’s new executive order on AI regulation rests on broad executive discretion and seeks to bypass judicial accountability.
Trump Drew the Right Map for AI Oversight, but Stopped at the Trailhead
Trump's new AI executive order creates the scaffolding for a workable regulatory regime, especially for cybersecurity risks, but failed to make it mandatory.
Can the Secretary of Defense Remove Admirals from a Promotion List?
The legal questions raised by these removals ultimately extend far beyond the careers of the officers involved.
Congress Can Act Now on U.S. DoD Inspector’s Report Revealing Violations of Civilian Harm Policy and Law
A Defense Department Inspector General report shows the Pentagon’s failure to prioritize congressionally mandated civilian protection mechanisms amid U.S. military action.