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.
4,711 Articles
Manafort’s Reward: Sen. Ron Johnson and the Ukraine Conspiracy Investigation: Part II
How Senator Johnson’s efforts have worked in tandem with Paul Manafort’s efforts — as the former Trump campaign chair has likely remained silent in exchange for a pardon.
Timeline: The Trump Administration and the U.S. Postal Service
A timeline of the pivotal events shaping the U.S. Postal Service that brought us to today's crisis.
Border Justice in the Age of Pandemic
"As the dynamics of closure continue, we should push ever more strongly to build a legal and political agenda against violence and discrimination at our borders. The new agenda…
House and Senate Chart Different Courses on US Clandestine Support of Foreign Militias
Special Operations Forces are a prized US military asset that requires careful oversight to prevent abuses, strategic miscalculations, and mission failures.
A Military Litmus Test? Evaluating the Argument that Civilian Defense Leaders Need Military Experience
There are several reasons to reject blanket assertions that military service acts as a general qualifier for running or contributing to national security affairs in non-military…
Exclusive: Obstruction At All Costs: The State Department’s Petty Document Fight with Congress
The State Department is refusing to comply with a House subpoena for documents that it's already shared with Senate Republicans.
Executive Absolutism on Trial
"President Trump ... had the sense that, as president, he should be allowed to do whatever he wanted, with no fear of consequences and no checks to his will from other branches.…
Political Attacks on Eastern Europe Watchdogs Compound Threats to Democracy
Ombudspersons face similar risks across the region, as autocratic ruling parties seek to remove independent checks on their control.
A Conflict of Interest Raises Questions for State Department’s Top Lawyer
Did Marik String successfully stymy inspector general investigation into his own actions?
I Resigned from U.S. Government After My Own Leaders Began to Act Like the Autocrats I Analyzed
I have seen up close the president’s disdain for democratic values, and recent events should be put in the context of a continuous slide toward authoritarianism.... Each day,…
Supreme Court’s Trump v. Mazars Ruling Gave Attorney-Client Privilege a Boost in Congress
The decision gives executive branch officials and private parties greater ability to resist subpoenas on traditional common law privilege grounds.
What To Watch For In Michael Flynn’s Case On Tuesday
These four key issues may be on the judges' minds.