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.
4,757 Articles
What Questions Is the Pentagon Avoiding?
No on-camera briefings at the Pentagon mean officials are getting away with not answering questions about policy decisions and ongoing combat operations.
Q&A on House-Justice Dept Showdown Over Release of Unredacted Mueller Report and Contempt of Congress
We asked top expert Andy Wright, who has served in both the White House Counsel's Office and on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Don’t Get Lured by False Question of Whether Mueller Got “Played” by Barr
"Maneuvering 'around' the Attorney General was not how Mueller saw his job—indeed, it was not his job—and it’s not how we should see it, either."
The Failures of the Mueller Report’s Campaign Finance Analysis
Former White House Counsel and top election law expert critiques Mueller's legal and factual analysis of campaign finance law: "The results are an unconvincing decision to decline…
Getting Past the Veto on Ending Yemen War: How Congress’ Next Moves Can Succeed
Congress can now take two paths to end Yemen War, in light of President's Trump successful veto. A short-term and long-term strategy.
The Pentagon’s 2018 Civilian Casualties Report: What’s In It and What’s Next
The Pentagon’s latest annual report, released this morning, lists shockingly low numbers of "credible" civilian casualties. It also illustrated the need for better processes…
Amid the Nadler-Barr Standoff: Some History of Struggles Over Hearing Processes
Attorney General William Barr refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee at its hearing today on the Mueller Report, further escalating the battle between the executive…
New Pentagon Report Significantly Undercounts Civilian Casualties
The latest annual report was on time and included more details than it had in the past, thanks to additional congressional requirements. But it still significantly undercounts…
US Counterterrorism Under the UN Spotlight
A United Nations team is visiting Washington this week to conduct its first review of U.S. counterterrorism policy.
Barr and Congress: Is the Focus on Criminality Too Narrow?–Five Experts Weigh In
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s questioning of Attorney General William Barr yesterday raises the question of whether Congress, in responding to the findings in Special Counsel…
Barr to Senate: President is Not Immune from Prosecutor Declaration of Indictable Offense
"Mueller may now be able to say on the record whether he believes President Donald Trump committed the crime of obstruction."
Mueller Report Illustrates Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetorical Tactics
One way to evaluate Trump objectively is to examine the Mueller Report for the president’s rhetorical strategies -- ad baculum, ad hominem, and paralipsis, among others.