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.
4,799 Articles
Iran, War Powers, and the Power of the Purse: Leverage or Legalization
With America’s war in Iran costing around $2 billion per day, Congress will soon face a choice: use its leverage to force an exit, or continue to fund it.
The Deeper Problem with ICE’s Arrest Warrants
DHS regulations do not ensure that ICE arrest warrants are supported by reliable probable cause findings. That failing poses significant Fourth Amendment risks.
Top Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran
What Congress, journalists, and the public should ask the Trump administration about its war in Iran.
What Hegseth’s “Supply Chain Risk” Designation of Anthropic Does and Doesn’t Mean
Abuse of a tailored national security authority to resolve an ideological dispute playing out over DoD’s desire to change its contractual terms should not be taken lightly.
The Trump Administration’s Theory of Constitutional War Powers: “The President Could Decide”
The legal memo justifying its Venezuela operations provides insight into the administration's use-of-force decisions and the factual evidence undergirding them.
Top Experts’ Backgrounder: Military Action Against Iran and US Domestic Law
Experts who advised a president on use of force answer a full range of basic questions on the conditions under which action against Iran would be lawful, and what options Congress…
Confrontation in Court: How to Hold the Trump Administration Accountable for Violating Court Orders
Judge Schiltz’s orders in Tobay Robles v. Noem expose 96 ICE court-order violations in one month and show how forcing top officials to testify can restore the rule of law.
What Just Happened: Tariffs Are Gone and Then Back Again
The SCOTUS decision on Trump's tariffs, and the president’s subsequent reaction, leave many questions about tariff rates and what comes next.
ICE Administrative Warrants and the Fourth Amendment: A Response to the DHS General Counsel
DHS says ICE agents can enter homes to arrest noncitizens using administrative warrants, without judicial oversight. DHS's position has no legal basis.
The Army Clause: A Forgotten Constitutional Check on ICE, CBP, and the Pentagon
Why the One Big Beautiful Bill violates a forgotten constitutional check on funding standing armies and how Congress can enforce it now.
New U.S.–AU Infrastructure Working Group Could Thrive With Strong Values-Based Safeguards
If the Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group is to succeed, the United States must anchor its offerings in rules-based governance.
Some Questions About Trump’s Executive Order Granting Privileges and Immunities to the Board of Peace
The Trump administration, the Board of Peace, and Congress all should have interests in clarifying the legal basis on which any privileges and immunities are being provided.