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.
4,594 Articles
Trump’s Russia Reset Is Real — Here’s How Europe Should Respond
Trump has inverted the U.S. approach to Russia and Europe. European leaders must aid Ukraine and take ownership of their own security.
Timeline: Politicization and Weaponization of Justice Department in Second Trump Administration
A detailed chronology of January 20, 2025 - present.
The Just Security Podcast: What Just Happened Series, CIA Officers’ Lawsuit at Intersection of DEI and National Security
A small number of intelligence officers who were fired because one of their duties involved DEI efforts at CIA have sued to keep their jobs.
How DHS Laid the Groundwork for More Intelligence Abuse
The DHS I&A's new guidance validates an expansive view of legal authorities that permit abusive counterterrorism and surveillance powers.
“Fired” Member of U.S. Privacy Oversight Board Discusses What He Considers at Stake
"The risks to U.S. persons, as well as non-U.S. persons, from the misuse, abuse, and exfiltration of data are quite substantial."
The President’s Declassification Power is a Double-Edged Sword
Presidents willing to disregard established declassification norms and safeguards expose a dangerous vulnerability in the governing structure.
The Racial Twist in Trump’s Cutoff of Refugee Admissions
A case that prompted a court injunction helps show executive orders on refugee resettlement and on South Africa are egregious and unlawful.
Trump’s China Tariff Now Treats Hong Kong the Same as the Mainland, a First in US Policy
Trump's tariffs treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from China, disregarding Hong Kong’s status as an autonomous territory.
No, the Defense Department Did Not “Ignore” a Judicial Order in 1973 Cambodia Bombing Case
I argued the Holtzman case. Nothing in Holtzman v. Schlesinger suggests that the military, acting under Presidential instructions, is empowered to ignore court orders.
The Trump Administration Cannot Use Award Terms and Conditions to Impound Funds
The Impoundment Control Act may prohibit agencies from freezing or terminating funding based on changing policy priorities.
How the Pentagon Personnel Firings Threaten Our Apolitical Military
This unprecedented purge of the nation’s top brass suggests that Trump may attempt to fill these roles with officers he perceives as loyal.
Trump Administration’s Mixed Signals on Russia and Ukraine May Reflect Internal Strategic Clash
Chaotic inconsistencies risk undermining its own approach and suggest splits between “peace through strength” and great-power appeasement.