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.
4,605 Articles
Career U.S. Officials Testifying to Congress: A Guide from Co-Equal
For over 100 years, federal statutes have protected the right of federal employees to communicate with Congress. Career employees across agencies and positions have routinely provided…
The FISA Court’s 702 Opinions, Part I: A History of Non-Compliance Repeats Itself
This is now the fourth major FISA Court opinion on Section 702 in 10 years documenting substantial non-compliance with the rules meant to protect Americans’ privacy.
Whistleblowing in Washington: Lessons Learned and Unlearned
A compelling first-hand account illustrates the institutional headwinds facing whistleblowers. To create the space they need to help increase accountability in government will…
Campaign Finance Enforcement Is an Essential Component of National Security
This week’s campaign finance enforcement action could not have come at a more important time for defending American democracy from foreign interference.
The Need for a Bipartisan Stand Against the White House Counsel Letter
Former general counsel to Sen. Marco Rubio and senior Republican counsel on Senate Judiciary Committee writes about impeachment inquiry.
White House Letter Distorts Both Law and History on Impeachment
Leading historian on impeachment heavily criticizes White House Counsel's representation of cases and historical practice.
Two Major Distortions in the White House’s Scorched Earth Letter to Congress
White House Counsel Cipollone's letter to Congress is a profoundly troubling document with a political purpose: stonewalling Congress while trying to muddy the waters with pretextual…
A Formal Vote to Authorize Impeachment Won’t Fix White House Obstruction — And Could Create More Roadblocks
A full vote by the House to support the ongoing impeachment inquiry could end up creating more roadblocks for Congress.
The Real Decline of OLC
How a string of controversial decisions by the Trump Office of Legal Counsel has eroded its legitimacy. From a former government attorney who served in the Trump administration's…
Open Letter Explains How Responsible Whistleblowers Make America Safer
An open letter, now signed by over 100 former national security officials from Republican and Democratic administrations, explains that responsible whistleblowers help ensure wrongdoing…
Overwhelming Confirmation of Whistleblower Complaint: An Annotation
A comprehensive guide to official documents and investigative reports that corroborate and confirm specific allegations in the Ukrainegate whistleblower's complaint.
“Play Ball”: Why the Panic Over a Trump-Zelenskyy White House Meeting?
The symbolism of a foreign leader meeting with the US president in the White House sends an unmistakable signal worldwide, especially in this case to Russia.